MasterCard in Europe named the winners of the 2006 European Co-Brand Partners of the Year Award. The Aeroflot — MasterCard — Alfa-Bank programme was acknowledged as the “Best Launch in 2005/2006”.

The four best Co-Brand Partners of the Year were selected by a panel of independent judges.

The Alfa-Bank — Aeroflot loyalty programme was launched to cater to the growing number of frequent fliers traveling with Aeroflot, the Russian national airline. The Aeroflot — MasterCard — Alfa-Bank is offered in Standard, Gold and Platinum formats with a varied points reward structure on all MasterCard purchases. The cards offer an extensive grace period, a recent development in the Russian Credit card market, and compliment the reward scheme with a series of merchant offers such as discounts at selected restaurants, car rental and hotel partners. Initial signs are that the programme is greatly appreciated by Alfa-Bank and Aeroflot customers. This success is a testament to the close teamwork of the two partners.

The panel of judges noted that overall the programme seemed to fulfill everything that one would expect from the launch of such a card.

According to Commercial Manager at Aeroflot Alexey Sidorov, “the combined expertise of Alfa-Bank and Aeroflot — recognized business leaders — assures the success of this product in the Russian market, as the card extends the range of products for both Aeroflot’s and the Bank’s customers”.

Head of Retail Business at Alfa-Bank Viktor Bashkirov commented at the awards ceremony. “At present the programme certainly meets all expectations placed on the launch of this Co-Brand Card. The Bank’s leading specialists were involved in the project to develop the concept and elaborate its marketing strategy. Alfa-Bank was among the first Russian banks to be awarded by MasterCard for the issuance of a loyalty Co-Brand Card that enables customers to enjoy the benefits of similar programmes operating successfully in the West”.

According to the Head of MasterCard Europe’s office in Russia Andrey Korolev, “Russian banks are showing clear progress in the development of co-branding, and I congratulate Alfa-Bank and Aeroflot on their victory in this prestigious contest, in which leading European companies and banks traditionally participate. The partners have managed to design a brand new product. Aeroflot — MasterCard — Alfa-Bank cardholders may now obtain free tickets while traveling, as well as enjoy varied discounts with no need to travel frequently with Aeroflot or essentially change their habits — it is enough merely to use the card for everyday purchases”.