Emirates Skywards marks 16 years with more than 16 million members

Emirates Airline has marked 16 years of its award-winning frequent flyer programme, Skywards, which now has more than 16 million members.

Since the programme’s inception in 2000, Emirates Skywards members have redeemed 2020 billion miles on reward flights, hotel stays and exclusive access to some of the world’s largest events.

The diversity of Skywards’ partners and rewards is reflected in the airline’s global customer base and network spanning six continents and more than 150 destinations.

Most recently, Emirates Skywards introduced Cash+Miles, allowing flight redemption using a combination of cash and Skywards Miles.

Members of all four tiers – Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum – can start redeeming flights with as little as 2,000 miles.

To date, Emirates Skywards has 14 airline partners including EasyJet and Qantas, offering members access to one of the world’s largest global destination networks.

The programme also has 24 hotel partner brands covering almost 20,000 properties worldwide. This includes a collaboration with Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), which gives members double awards through earning both Skywards Miles and Starpoints when they fly with Emirates or stay with Starwood.

Emirates sponsors numerous sporting, art and cultural events and as a result, Skywards members have enjoyed front-row access to some of the biggest world events including the Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival.

Since January this year, more than 12,000 tickets across 40 sporting events, from Formula 1 racing to European soccer matches have been made available to members.

Emirates Skywards members also enjoy access to a global network of 39 Emirates lounges in major airports, including six lounges at Dubai International Airport. Members are also given an excess baggage allowance of up to 20kg.