American Express Canada Signs New Multi-Year Agreements with Aimia & Air Canada

Cardmembers to enjoy enhanced suite of cards and privileges as part of partnership renewal

MARKHAM, ON, Nov. 14, 2013 /CNW/ - American Express Canada today confirmed multi-year agreements with Aimia, parent company of Aeroplan, as well as Air Canada, North America's top-rated airline. The new agreements extend the long relationship between the three companies and will include enhancements to the existing suite of premium AeroplanPlus co-branded charge cards with a unique new premium travel credit card launching next year. Amex currently offers AeroplanPlus cards for both consumers and corporations. Additionally, Aeroplan will continue to be a participant in the Membership Rewards Program offered on select American Express charge cards through which points can be transferred to Aeroplan 1:1.

"We are thrilled to announce this partnership renewal with Aimia and Air Canada," said Howard Grosfield, President and CEO, American Express Canada.  "Today's announcement allows us to further strengthen our relationships and better serve our Cardmembers by continuing to provide access to a distinguished loyalty program in Aeroplan and to Canada's largest full-service airline, Air Canada."

AeroplanPlus cards are one of the fastest ways to earn Aeroplan Miles, with spend on these cards qualifying towards Aeroplan's new Distinction program. Distinction is Aeroplan's new multi-level recognition program that rewards top accumulating members with three levels of exclusive flight reward benefits, bonus mile offers, preferential treatment, and privileges. Cardmembers will also continue to enjoy preferred Air Canada benefits such as access to Maple Leaf Lounges and Priority Check-In.

"As the leading premium loyalty program in Canada, Aeroplan is delighted to continue its long-standing partnership with American Express to offer AeroplanPlus Cardmembers all of the benefits and privileges that come with being a member of both Aeroplan and Amex," said Vince Timpano, President and CEO of Aimia in Canada. "Adding to the excitement is the launch of Distinction, which will provide members with access to better rewards and privileges than ever before."

"We are very excited to extend our partnership with American Express and offer our shared customers the best possible travel experience and benefits," said Ben Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Air Canada.

This growing partnership means Cardmembers will continue to receive unparalleled offerings in the travel rewards space and access to a new premium card to better serve their needs.

About American Express Canada
American Express in Canada operates as Amex Bank of Canada and Amex Canada Inc. Both are wholly owned subsidiaries of the New York based American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., the largest operating unit of the American Express Company. Amex Bank of Canada is the issuer of American Express charge and credit cards, with outstanding products like the American Express® Gold Rewards Card, the Platinum Card ®, the American Express® AeroplanPlus® Gold Card. Amex Canada Inc. operates the Corporate Travel and Travellers Cheques divisions in Canada. American Express opened its first offices in Toronto and Hamilton in 1853 and now employs 3,700 Canadians coast-to-coast. For more information, visit AmericanExpress.ca or connect with us at Facebook.com/AmericanExpressCanada and YouTube.com/AmericanExpressCAD.

About Aeroplan
Aeroplan, Canada's premier coalition loyalty program, is owned by Aimia Inc., a global leader in loyalty management. Aeroplan's 4.7 million members earn Aeroplan Miles with its growing network of over 75 world-class partners, representing more than 150 brands in the financial, retail, and travel sectors.  In 2012, approximately 2.3 million rewards were issued to members including more than 1.6 million flights on Air Canada and Star Alliance carriers which offer travel to more than 1,000 destinations worldwide. In addition to flights, members also have access to over 1,000 exciting specialty, merchandise, hotel, car rental and experiential rewards.

About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 175 destinations on five continents.  Canada's flag carrier is among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2012 served close to 35 million customers.  Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 60 Canadian cities, 49 destinations in the United States and 67 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,328 destinations in 195 countries.  Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax that ranked Air Canada in a worldwide survey of more than 18 million airline passengers as Best Airline in North America in 2013 for the fourth consecutive year.  For more information, please visit: www.aircanada.com.

SOURCE: American Express