A trip to the petrol pump could soon bring you closer to that business class points upgrade after Virgin Australia added BP as a partner with its Velocity frequent flyer program.
The tie-up will allow Velocity members, which number 4.5 million currently, to earn points when filling up at the 1,400 or so BP service stations around Australia, the two companies said in a joint statement on Monday.
Velocity frequent flyer chief executive Neil Thompson said petrol was an important aspect of household expenditure.
“We recognise the importance of rewarding our members on everyday spend,” Thompson said in a statement.
Due to commence in early 2015, Velocity points will be earned by swiping a membership card in store. The points earning rate would be announced at a later date, Virgin said.
“To support the partnership, BP will also launch a mechanism for customers to participate instore and earn Points through Velocity Frequent Flyer on same day purchases,” the companies said in a statement.
Virgin hoped to grow its membership base to seven million by 2017 and recently sold a 35 per cent stake in Velocity to Affinity Equity Partners Partners for $336 million.
Velocity will have a separate board with Virgin retaining majority voting rights.
BP Australia and New Zealand president Andy Holmes said the partnership with Virgin was part of the company’s aim to grow its retail business in the Australian market.
“I’m delighted that this partnership will provide our customers across Australia with even better value and another reason to visit our stores,” Holmes said.
