Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Turkey, has introduced “Shop&Miles”, which allows frequent flyer programme members to purchase items either with miles or cash or by using a combination of miles and cash.

The new programme is in response to the increasing popularity of online shopping and provides an alternative way of using miles accumulated in the airline’s mileage reward programme.

A new shopping site has been created by the airlines and members now have the opportunity to spend their miles on items displayed on the site. As an added bonus, by using the Shop&Miles site, members will accrue additional miles for cash spent when purchasing from the collection.

The range of products offered has been tailored to the needs and interests of the passengers. One product group includes exclusive Turkish Airlines branded items. The ‘TK Collection’ includes a wide assortment of bags, notebooks, games and other products. Other useful items include mugs, headphones, cell phone covers, tee shirts, hats and model aircraft—all bearing the airline’s signature tag line, “Widen Your World”.

In addition to this specialty line, Shop&Miles offers over 5,000 items that have been especially selected by Sanal Mağazacılık, a leading loyalty and e-rewards company in Turkey.

The new programme will initially be introduced in 10 countries apart from Turkey, namely Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, UAE, UK and the US with products tailored to these markets. In addition to the website, a printed catalogue for Shop&Miles items will be available in the seat pocket on the Turkish Airlines flights and designated shopping kiosks will be placed at various locations in the airline’s hub airport, Istanbul Ataturk. – TradeArabia News Service