DELTA AIR LINES AND MBNA EUROPE FORM NEW PARTNERSHIP
Launch of new co-branded Visa credit card allows Delta Air Lines frequent flyer miles to be earned on card purchases
LONDON, Sept 17, 2002 -Delta Air Lines, the leading U.S. airline across the Atlantic, and MBNA Europe, a division of the world's largest independent credit card issuer, today announced a new marketing partnership including the launch of a co-branded Visa credit card in the UK.
The new Visa card will allow Delta Air Lines UK passengers the opportunity to earn miles and additional rewards with the airline's award-winning frequent flyer programme, SkyMiles.
Carolyn Ezzell, Delta Air Lines' vice president for the Atlantic Region said, "Delta Air Lines is delighted to be working with MBNA and Visa to launch this new credit card that enables our UK customers the opportunity to earn extra frequent flyer miles on their everyday purchases." She continued, "This partnership will make it easier for our passengers to earn miles that can be redeemed for award travel on Delta Air Lines, our SkyTeam alliance partner airlines - AeroMexico, Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines and Korean Air - and other SkyMiles airline partners including Virgin Atlantic Airways, El Al Israel Airlines, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines and South African Airways."
MBNA CEO Europe, General Krulak, said of the new partnership, "We are very excited about the new Delta SkyMiles credit cards in the UK and having the opportunity to work with Delta Air Lines, one of the world's most respected airlines."
"As the world's leading payment system, Visa is constantly looking for new ways to benefit our UK cardholders," said Colin Grannell, managing director Visa UK. "This partnership between Delta Air Lines and MBNA to launch a new co-branded Visa credit card enables us to do just that - provide Visa cardholders with added value with their travelling plans."
Existing and new Delta Air Lines and MBNA customers have the opportunity to apply for one of two Delta SkyMiles Visa cards. As an introductory offer, customers applying for the Delta SkyMiles Visa Platinum card will be awarded 5,000 bonus miles upon activation of the card. Customers applying for the Delta SkyMiles Visa Classic card will be awarded 2,500 bonus miles upon activation of the card. In addition, both cards will earn one mile for every pound spent on the card, and give cardholders access to unique Delta Air Lines and SkyMiles partner offers.
Customers wishing to apply for either card should call 0800 776 262 and quote code ONC6.
Delta Air Lines has been serving the UK market since 1978 and celebrates its 25th anniversary next year. Today the airline operates thrice-daily, year-round service from London Gatwick to Atlanta, Georgia, in addition to a daily year-round service from Gatwick to Cincinnati, Ohio. Delta Air Lines also operates a year-round daily service from Manchester to Atlanta. Serving 21 European cities in 13 countries, Delta Air Lines flies non-stop to more transatlantic destinations than any other US carrier.
* SkyMiles members will be able to earn and redeem miles for flights on Virgin Atlantic effective Oct. 1, 2002.
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Note To Editors:
About VISA International Visa is the world's leading payment brand. Visa-branded cards generate more than US$2 trillion in annual volume and are accepted at more than 24 million physical locations around the world, including more than 750,000 ATMs. The Visa organization plays a pivotal role in developing innovative payment products and technologies to benefit its 21,000 member financial institutions and their cardholders. Visa is a leader in Internet based payments and is pioneering the creation of u-commerce, or universal commerce - the ability to conduct commerce anywhere, anytime, and any way. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com
About MBNA
MBNA Europe Bank Limited is part of MBNA Corporation, the world's largest independent credit card issuer, with more than 55 million customers worldwide.
About Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines, leading U.S. airline across the Atlantic and the world's second largest carrier in terms of passengers carried, offers 5,898 flights each day to 429 destinations in 76 countries on Delta, Delta Express, Delta Shuttle, Delta Connection and Delta's worldwide partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. For more information, please go to delta.com.
About the Delta SkyMiles Program
Delta SkyMiles members earn mileage by flying Delta, Delta Connection carriers, Delta Express, Delta Shuttle and Delta's airline partners, including SkyTeam partners AeroMexico, Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines and Korean Air. The Delta SkyMiles programme also offers many other mileage-building opportunities, including participating airlines, hotels, car rental companies, telecommunication services and more.
Contact details: Fran Valmana, Corporate Communications Visa EU, Tel: 020 7795 5303, valmanaf@visa.com
Sarah Bailey/Siobhan Gilheany, Fishburn Hedges, Tel: 020 7544 3077/3132, Sarah.bailey@fishburn-hedges.co.uk
Siobhan.gilheany@fishburn-hedges.co.uk
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