OREANDA-NEWS. On 02 April 2009 was announced, that Gazprombank (Open Joint-Stock Company) Chairman of the Management Board Andrey Akimov and “Aeroflot – Russian Airlines” General Director Valery Okulov had reached agreement on development and implementation of a Strategic Partnership Program.

At a meeting in Moscow, it was decided to expand the long-standing mutually beneficial cooperation that had been established between Gazprombank and Aeroflot to include new business perspectives.

In particular, it is planned to work more active in the sphere of air transportation. Gazprombank and the enterprises of its Group are large customers that need comprehensive services in this field. Besides, Gazprombank intends to invite its corporate customers – large enterprises from various branches of economy – into this cooperation.

Both parties have also agreed upon implementation of a joint project to emit co-brand cards “Gazprombank – Aeroflot Bonus”. Co-brand cardholders will have an opportunity to take part in the Passenger Reward Program. Bonus miles will be credited to the accounts of cardholders when they pay for products and service with their cards. Accumulation of a certain amount of miles gives a cardholder a right for  a free flight by Aeroflot airlines or make use  of the services of Aeroflot Bonus Partners. A new feature of the project will be an access to the information about bonus account status through the ATMs of Gazprombank.

“Aeroflot is a key company in air transportation, – highlighted GPB Chairman of the Board Andrey Akimov. Agreements that we have reached enable significant extension of the cooperation that had been evolving between Gazprombank and Aeroflot for many years”.

Aeroflot General Director Valery Okulov underlined that cooperation between the leaders in air transportation and banking services should give a positive synergetic effect that is very significant for businesses of both partners, specially, under crisis conditions.