David vs Goliath: Estonian AirScore Garners Second Major Award for Social Media Loyalty Program

At the recent Airline Information Global Conference on Airline Loyalty and Frequent Flier Programs Baltic carrier Estonian Air was recognized for the second time in a month as having the world’s best social media loyalty marketing program.  Estonian Air AirScore beat aviation industry giant Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, a 50+million member program which had just completed a multi-million dollar overhaul.

The Mega Awards are given out by Airline Information – a leading company in organizing commercial aviation conferences worldwide. The event is the biggest of its kind on the world.  The 5^th annual Mega Conference for Airline Loyalty and Ancillary Revenue Programs was held Nov 28-29 at Gulfstream Park Racetrack, near Fort Lauderdale. Over 400  delegates attended, senior executives representing airline, hotel, rental car and loyalty reward firms across the globe.

Winners of a Mega Award are decided by a panel of senior airline loyalty experts and aviation executives.  Mega Awards recognize marketing campaigns and product development excellence by airlines and vendors. Awards are also given for individual professional accomplishment. Recognized commercial areas included: Loyalty, Social Media, Ancillary Revenue/Merchandising considered by the Mega Awards Judging Academy.

“The award confirms that Estonian Air’s investment in social media prioritization has proven correct. Social media allows marketing efficiency, wide reach and will continue to be the airline channel of choice for future route launches and campaign distribution. “This is wonderful recognition for our entire team that we value highly,” said Gunnar Mägi, Marketing and Development Manager of Estonian Air.  “Here’s one for the underdog” said Magi in accepting the trophy.

AirScore, launched by Estonian Air in October 2011, is unique in the field of aviation loyalty. AirScore introduces Estonian Air abroad and the country of Estonia as an appealing destination. Through AirScore, Estonian Air anticipates a substantial increase in both customer commitment and brand recognition.  AirScore is powered by the TravelMole Bamboo SaaS software platform.  Estonian Air is the first airline to adopt and execute this cutting edge technology from California’s Silicon Valley.

AirScore is unique in that it changes the idea of current loyalty programs in the aviation world by rewarding customers and fans for being strong online advocates.
 AirScore “Ambassadors” share Estonian’s offers or information on their Facebook wall, including airfares, cultural and sport events taking part in Estonia. Supporters of the airline are rewarded for social media advocacy, without even having to fly the airline.  Through AirScore the airline is enjoying increased traffic to Estonian Air’s web site, and bookings, driven via Facebook and Twitter.

In Amsterdam on October 11^th Estonian Air was also recognized for excellence in social media marketing.  Estonian Air won the 2nd Annual SimpliFlying Award for Excellence in Social Media as the best airline in the world in driving revenue via social media.

by Kieron Keady