Emirates Citi Platinum Card launched

Emirates and Citibank has launched a co-branded Platinum credit card, saying it is arguably the best frequent flyer programme in Australia.

The Emirates Citi Platinum Card will offer customers one and a half Skyward Miles for every retail dollar spent, with points redeemable on EK flights and its domestic partner, Virgin Blue from December.  It also allows customers to use points toward products and experiences listed in The Emirates High Street catalogue.

Passengers paying for flights using the card will also receive complimentary access to the Emirates Lounges in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth; however, access is restricted to the primary cardholder and guest and limited to once per annum when purchasing any class of flights. 

Purchasing flights on the card will also give access to Emirates’ chauffeur-drive service to and from Australian airports, but is restricted to once per annum to Economy Class passengers and distance limits apply.

Cardholders can also enjoy a 24-hour personal concierge service and global acceptance from MasterCard as well as free international travel, transit accident, purchase cover and extended warranty insurance.

The new partnership, according to Emirates Australia Vice President, Stephen Pearse, also showcases the airline’s commitment to the Australian market.

“The introduction of the Emirates Citi Platinum Card is another example of our commitment to Australia.  In every aspect of our business we strive to offer benefits our competitors don’t,” he said.

“Emirates is committed to the Australian community, and we have continued to show this through our involvement with some of Australia’s biggest sponsorships and through our acknowledgement of the importance of this market.  In 2009 we will be adding a third daily service in Melbourne, a second daily service in Brisbane and launching the A380 on the Dubai-Sydney-Auckland route.”

Citibank Australia Chief Executive Officer Roy Gori said the card provides Australians with a much-needed premium card and priced at $199 per year, is an affordable alternative in the airline rewards space. 

“The Emirates Citi Platinum Card is the first co-branded card launched in Australia by a non-Australian-based international airline.  For this reason, we feel we’re providing Australians with a long-overdue, high value alternative.  This card offers unparalleled reward options and benefits not offered by any of our competitors.”