Kenya Airways has rolled out its loyalty program, known as Asante Rewards. Previously using Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue program, the carrier has opted for a scheme that will still have global SkyTeam benefits. Let’s find out more about the new program.
Why now?
While the exact earning details are yet to be released, One Mile At A Time (OMAAT) noted the carrier cited rewarding passengers for their loyalty as the reason for a new program. Additionally, Kenya Airways executives cited the success of airlines raising billions on the backs of their loyalty programs, especially in the US. Indeed, the major African carrier may hope to take control of its loyalty scheme now.
As we covered in late 2020, Kenya Airways and Air France-KLM ended their joint venture with effect from September 2021. This cooperation didn’t just cover flights but also so frequent flyers using the Flying Blue program for loyalty. However, with the deal now over, the airline can forge its path within the SkyTeam alliance.
Asante Rewards is the culmination of years of work by the airline to launch its own frequent flyer program. The website is light on details in terms of earnings and redemptions, but it has detailed the tiers and benefits available.
Four tiers
Asante Rewards offers four tiers: Ruby, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. While the first tier is received upon sign-up, Silver comes with SkyTeam Elite, and Gold and Platinum include SkyTeam Elite Plus status. In addition to alliance-wide perks, you’ll also receive several perks in terms of miles bonuses, a dedicated phone line, and free seat selection.
Redemptions will begin from October 2023, according to OMAAT, and domestic awards will start at 7,000 miles and international from 9,000 miles. This signals a fixed award chart, but we’ll have to wait for detailed charts in the coming months. Interestingly, Asante Rewards notes you’ll have a lower threshold to maintain elite status, potentially making the program a great way to earn elite SkyTeam status.
Asante Rewards Tiers
Signs up are now open, and the program says you can credit the last six months of flights within two months of opening your account. So if you’re based in Kenya and might interested in moving over to Flying Blue, this might be your chance. However, there’s no news on a status match, and it is unlikely that miles will be counted twice, so clarification is still needed. Most new programs offer status matches to lure travelers into another alliance and airline loyalty.
Keep an eye out
We will know much more about Asante Rewards in the coming months, given the strong demand for loyalty in the region, it could quickly become successful.
