Briefs
Emirates tier
Emirates has introduced a new tier to its Skywards loyalty scheme, which will better align it to the frequent flyer program of its alliance partner, Qantas. As it had promised to competition regulators, passengers will have access to a new "platinum" tier, which sits above "blue", "silver" and "gold", from April 1. To qualify, passengers have to earn at least 150,000 miles a year.
INSURANCE
IAG buoyant
The cost of recent floods and bushfires has reached up to $175 million for Insurance Australia Group, but analysts still expect profits in the industry to grow this financial year. IAG, which operates NRMA Insurance and CGU, has received more than 13,700 claims related to floods caused by ex-tropical cyclone Oswald in Queensland and northern NSW in January. Those claims are expected to cost it between $120 million and $140 million.
MINING
Green light
Whitehaven Coal has been granted conditional approval from Canberra to proceed with its Maules Creek open-cut mine project in north-east New South Wales. Environment Minister Tony Burke on Monday gave the green light to the Maules Creek and nearby Boggabri mine proposals, subject to conditions. Conditional approval was also granted to a coal seam methane gas project at Gloucester owned by AGL Energy.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Emirates has added a new Skywards "platinum" tier that sits above blue, silver and gold. The tier takes effect from April 1 and requires members to earn at least 150,000 miles a year to qualify.
Emirates introduced the platinum tier to better align its Skywards loyalty scheme with the frequent flyer program of its alliance partner, Qantas. The change was also made to honour a promise to competition regulators.
For frequent flyers, the platinum tier offers a higher elite level for very high-mileage travellers (150,000 miles a year). For investors, loyalty-program changes can affect customer retention and partnerships—aligning Emirates' tiers with Qantas could strengthen the alliance's competitive positioning.
IAG has said the cost of recent floods and bushfires has reached up to $175 million. In particular, IAG received more than 13,700 claims from floods caused by ex-tropical cyclone Oswald in Queensland and northern NSW, with those claims expected to cost between $120 million and $140 million.
Despite the flood and bushfire costs to IAG, analysts still expect profits in the insurance industry to grow this financial year, according to the article. IAG operates well-known brands including NRMA Insurance and CGU.
Whitehaven Coal was granted conditional approval from the federal government in Canberra to proceed with its Maules Creek open-cut mine project in north‑east New South Wales. The Environment Minister, Tony Burke, gave the green light to Maules Creek and the nearby Boggabri mine proposals subject to conditions.
Conditional approval means the projects have been allowed to proceed but must meet specified conditions set by the government or environment minister. The article notes the approvals were granted by Environment Minister Tony Burke and are subject to those conditions.
A coal seam methane gas project at Gloucester owned by AGL Energy was also granted conditional approval, according to the article.
Call 1300 880 160
Start a chat
Schedule a call
