Jakarta – Garuda Indonesia has become the first airline in the country to offer a corporate frequent flyer programme (FFP) that rewards the individual traveller and his company with mileage.

Some 20 companies have joined the programme and TMCs say it will help ensure compliance.

Business Travel International (BTI) Vayatour sales and business development manager, Mr Andhie Saad, said: “This is a simple programme and easy to implement. This encourages staff to use one airline, which also means increased compliance to the company’s travel policy.”

Garuda general manager-loyalty programme, Mr I Tharian, said travellers were upgrading from economy to business because of the programme.

He said: “When staff travel on business, they actually spend the company’s money, so it is fair to give the company a bonus.”

A company is entitled to join when a minimum of 20 employees register as individual members of Garuda’s FFP.

When 20 to 40 members register, the company receives five per cent of the total mileage that employees earn. For more than 40 members, the company gets a 10 per cent bonus.

“We believe this system will encourage clients to always use Garuda,” Mr Tharian said.

Companies can redeem the mileage for free tickets, upgrades, extra baggage allowances, free cancellation fees, priority waiting list and other benefits offered by the Garuda FFP.

A minimum 5,000 points is needed to redeem a domestic ticket and 10,000 for an international ticket.