QUEBEC CITY, May 28 /CNW/ - Air Canada`s award winning loyalty program,
Aeroplan, today announced that it will launch a co-branded credit card program
in the United States with MBNA America Bank, N.A. This long term agreement
will allow U.S. residents who hold Aeroplan Platinum Plus, Preferred and
Quantum credit cards to accumulate Aeroplan Miles that can be redeemed for
reward travel. Cardholders will earn one Aeroplan Mile for every one dollar
spent on eligible purchases. Full details of the program, including branding
and promotional offers, will be announced on the occasion of the new credit
card`s launch later this summer.

“We are very excited to enter into this partnership with MBNA America
Bank, as Aeroplan expands Canada`s leading loyalty program into the United
States,” said Aeroplan President and Chief Executive Officer, Rupert Duchesne,
at Aeroplan`s annual partner conference in Quebec City. “Today, as more than
80 of our quality partners gather to share our vision and plans for the future
growth of Aeroplan, it is particularly fitting that we should welcome MBNA as
a new partner in our U.S. expansion strategy. This initiative complements our
strategy to offer Aeroplan members an ever-growing roster of quality partners
through which they can earn Miles for reward travel,” he added.

“We are very pleased to partner with Aeroplan, recently ranked as the
world`s best frequent flyer program, as they expand into the U.S. market,”
said MBNA Chief Operating Officer, John Cochran. “MBNA is dedicated to
providing the finest products and services to Aeroplan`s customers.”

Aeroplan is Air Canada`s award-winning frequent flyer program. In a
recent poll of the world`s most experienced air travellers conducted by OAG,
Aeroplan was voted the world`s best frequent flyer program. More than six
million members, including approximately 400,000 in the United States, earn
Aeroplan Miles toward reward travel to destinations served by Air Canada, its
regional airline, Air Canada Jazz, and worldwide partner airlines comprising
the Star Alliance network. Aeroplan Miles earned on Star Alliance flights
count toward achieving top-tier membership status. In addition, members earn
Miles through an extensive network of car rental companies, hotels, telephone
companies, affinity credit card companies, and through all purchases on
Canada`s newest online travel site, Destina.ca.

MBNA Corporation (NYSE: KRB), a bank holding company and parent of MBNA
America Bank, N.A., a national bank, has more than USD$98 billion in managed
loans. MBNA, the largest independent credit card lender in the world, also
provides retail deposit, consumer loan, and insurance products.

——-