History
Qualiflyer was formed in April 1992, as Europe's first frequent-flyer program, for Swissair, Crossair and Austrian Airlines. [2] Originally, Swissair's partner airline Crossair and its high-end hotel chain Swissôtel also participated in the program. Qualiflyer's affiliation with one of the world-class airlines caused membership to grow quickly to 2 million members in the first eight years. After that, other airlines joined the program, and the program received even larger amounts of membership.
The scheme grew rapidly through Swissair owner SAirGroup's strategy of acquisition led by Philippe Bruggisser. Among airlines wholly, or part, acquired by SAirGroup and integrated into the frequent-flyer program included Sabena, TAP Air Portugal, Air Europe, and LOT Polish Airlines. [3] [4] [5] [6]
However, with Bruggisser existing SAirGroup in 2001, pressure on the frequent-flyer scheme was growing, as Sabena required financial restructuring, and Crossair CEO Moritz Suter declaring that Swissair were looking to sell a number of Qualiflyer member investments. [3] [7] [8] Following the collapse of Swissair in October 2001, Qualiflyer was formally collapsed by member airlines in 2002. [9] [10] At the time of closure it had 3.7million members. [11]
The reformed Swiss International Air Lines is a member of Miles & More, alongside Qualiflyer founder Austrian Airlines. The Belgian flag carrying successor of Sabena, Brussels Airlines, is also a member of Miles & More alongside other former Qualiflyer airlines including LOT Polish Airlines and TAP Air Portugal. [12]
Club levels
The Qualiflyer program always made a distinction between genuine frequent flyers and other traveling members. That is why, when Qualiflyer launched in 1992, two account types were introduced: the Qualiflyer basic level, for everyone wishing to collect miles, and the Qualiflyer Travelclub, for more frequent travelers. To meet the needs of particular target groups better, further club levels were added. The Travelclub Gold, for very frequent travelers and Qualiflyer Circle for an exclusive group of selected members. The existence of the "Circle" was not actively communicated, to ensure optimum exclusivity. The Circle was introduced in 1994 and the Travelclub Gold membership only many years later in 2001. For every level, further benefits were offered.
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