Story ID: 
Covid-19 Spurs Aviation Fuel Loyalty Program Changes
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: With flying hours down due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some fuel providers are modifying customer loyalty programs in response.
Word Count: 262
With business aviation flight hours curtailed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, several aircraft fuel providers have made changes to their customer loyalty programs.

Avfuel, which numbers more than 650 locations in its branded dealer network and 3,000 worldwide fueling locations, said it will preserve the tiers of its Avtrip members who earned gold or platinum status for 2020 through 2021. While its program points never expire, those who have not earned reward status of 5,000 points by the end of the year will see their points roll over in 2021.

Miami-based World Fuel Services noted that it is offering its participating FBOs an expiration extension for their FlyBuys point banks during this period and allowing them free rein on how best to distribute those points to flight departments. It is also giving away points to help operators earn training opportunities or use as invoice credit.

Phillips 66 sees no changes to its WingPoints Rewards, as its points never expire. The same is true of Titan Aviation Fuels, the U.S. distributor of Shell-branded fuels, and its Shell Aeroclass Rewards. A Titan spokesperson told AIN that it is working on new promotions with its FBOs and hopes to provide members with bonus point incentives in the coming months.

Major FBO operator Signature Flight Support said it is currently evaluating temporary modifications to both its Signature Loyalty and its Epic Fuels Bravo Rewards programs. Atlantic Aviation expects to announce some changes to its Atlantic Awards plan later this month.