What is "aeroplan"

Aeroplan is a coalition loyalty program owned by Aimia, a global loyalty management company. The Aeroplan program was created in July 1984 by Air Canada as an incentive program for its frequent flyer customers. There are approximately 4.6 million active members in the program.

In recent years, Aeroplan has evolved into a loyalty marketing program with retail partners such as Esso, Home Hardware, Birks, Thrifty Foods, and Nestle Canada. Aeroplan is also used by Air Creebec, Canadian North, Calm Air, and First Air. Internally, Aeroplan has deployed the MicroStrategy platform for business intelligence reporting and analytics for its personnel to analyze member information, track purchasing patterns, identify profiles of loyal members, and align its loyalty program with members' preferences.

Many Aeroplan members collect miles via credit cards. Credit cards were originally allocated to CIBC and Diners Club/enRoute, but were later offered to AMEX Bank of Canada, while Diners Club withdrew from the program. (The contract with CIBC expired at the end of 2013, and Aimia began a new partnership for credit cards with Toronto-Dominion Bank as of January 1, 2014.)

In 2012, approximately 2.3 million rewards were issued to members, including more than 1.6 million flights on Air Canada or other Star Alliance carriers, which offer travel to more than 1,000 destinations worldwide.