Members of Virgin Australia's Velocity frequent flyer program will now be able to earn status credits when redeeming points on reward seats under a new promotion unveiled yesterday.
For a six-month period starting on January 13, status credits on reward seats will match those available on commercial flights.
Velocity chief executive Neil Thompson told media yesterday that the move is a step towards the program's goal of becoming more "member-centric" and comes on the back of customer feedback.
"For the first time in Australia, our Frequent Flyer members will be able to earn status credits while travelling on a reward seat, giving frequent travellers the ability to earn while they burn," he said.
"This unique opportunity will come as welcome news to many frequent flyers as it provides another way to maintain or reach an even higher status."
While the offer incurs a "small cost" for the airline, Thompson insisted the airline would "gain more incremental value" as a result of the promotion.
It is the first in a number of changes that will be implemented over the coming months, he revealed.
"We're keen to roll out a number of things that we'll try and then see what the market reaction is," he said.
The six month promotion follows other recent changes to the scheme which include family pooling, parental leave, and companion gold and platinum membership.
