Leaders from more than 60 airlines gathered on February 17 & 18 in Madrid at the first international conference ever dedicated to managers of Frequent Flyer Programs. The conference generated a clear commitment of the aviation industry towards the future of airline loyalty programs and there will be a new edition of the conference in Bangkok in February 2006.

The "FFP Conference" (FFP: Frequent Flyer Programs), jointly organised by GLOBAL FLIGHT Management and Airline Information, attracted in its first year over 160 delegates from more than 60 airlines and 20 related industry suppliers from all five continents. Among the airlines represented, there were major network airlines as well as newcomers, regionals and low cost carriers.

The conference delegates championed the event to exchange thoughts, since this was the first time Frequent Flyer Managers had gathered to share common experiences. The practical agenda further strengthened the exchange of ideas by including presentations by airline managers and workshops with specific topics for the daily management of an FFP. Airlines also used the forum to communicate a clear message that the future of Frequent Flyer Programs is not in danger.

The conference also provided airlines with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with FFP-related products and services exhibited by participating industry suppliers, which included CRM companies, Frequent Flyer Systems, GDS and loyalty management consultants and outsourcing companies. Virtually all relevant companies in the sector were represented, including Amadeus, Carlson Marketing, IBM, Sabre, Siebel Systems, SITA and Unisys

The next FFP Conference will take place in Bangkok on February 21 & 22, 2006. Many airlines and industry suppliers that participated this year already committed their participation to next year´s conference, ensuring that this yearly event will be even bigger and better in 2006.