The mystery Aeroplan partner is Bamboo Airways (QH)

The cat’s out of the bag – Aeroplan’s newest mystery partner is Bamboo Airways (QH)! Bamboo Airways is a full-service Vietnamese carrier that launched in 2019, with over 60 domestic and international routes out of its hubs in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Nah Trang and Da Nang. Aeroplan partnership with Bamboo will include flight redemption, and flight earn capabilities for members.

Last week, Aeroplan had teased out a new partner with a hint for members;

They serve a particular, amazing aspirational destination and are the only one serving it on a scheduled basis with jet aircraft. In fact, the aircraft they use on this route is a fleet type they added specifically to serve this market!

..and today they broke the suspense with a Bamboo;

It was Bamboo Airways that took on the Embraer 190 fleet type specifically to serve the islands of Con Dao (VCS) – a gorgeous destination noted for its coral reefs, stunning beaches and clear waters. VCS is not yet able to handle the Airbus aircraft, hence the addition of the 190, which enables Bamboo to provide the only scheduled jet service there.

If you follow PMB’s weekly stream ‘What’s the Point?‘, you may have heard the reference to Bamboo Airways as a guess by a viewer (‘minute 53’ of the video) – what fun!

Bamboo Airways – Fleet, and Route Network

Bamboo airways operates a diverse fleet of wide-body, narrow-body, and regional jets, and connects international destinations in Asia, Europe, Australia and US (coming soon).

Unsurprisingly, Bamboo Airways has a robust domestic network across Vietnam, operated out of the 4 hub cities of Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

The notable international routes include direct flights to/from London, Frankfurt, Melbourne, Sydney, Seoul, and Tokyo. Upcoming US routes to San Francisco and Los Angeles would be a great addition for Aeroplan members looking to experience long-haul flights on the 787-9 Dreamliner lie-flat beds. Currently the premium business class product can be flown between Vietnam to UK, and Australia.

Aeroplan partnership with Bamboo Airways

Aeroplan’s partnership with Bamboo will be include flight redemption and flight earn. Members will be able to book flights online, via Air Canada mobile app, or via Aeroplan’s contact centre. Business and Economy class cabins are eligible for flight redemption, using Aeroplan’s pricing for partner airlines, and can be combined with other airline partners to build an itinerary. Ofcourse, a partner booking fee ($39) would apply for redemptions that include Bamboo Airways.

On the earn side, there are a few exceptions to the partnership;

• • Aeroplan members will be able to earn points based on distance flown on all scheduled flights operated by Bamboo Airways, with exception of transpacific flights between Asia and North America when they are launched.
  • Aeroplan Elite Status qualification is not applicable on any flights taken with Bamboo Airways

Takeaway

The new partnership between Aeroplan and Bamboo Airways adds a very interesting player in the redemption mix for Aeroplan members. With the existing route map, a new fun way to get to Australia on lie-flat seats, or a romantic escape to the Con Dao archipelago via SGN. The Six Senses brand (IHG) have some incredible luxury properties in Vietnam, including Con Dao 🙂