PARSIPPANY, N.J., June 18, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avis Budget Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: CAR ) today announced that it has signed a multi-year preferred partnership agreement with JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU ). The new agreement significantly expands the existing marketing affiliation between the two companies, under which Avis Budget Group has served as a partner within JetBlue's TrueBlue loyalty rewards program.
Under the new agreement, Avis Budget Group will promote its Avis Car Rental, Budget Car Rental and Payless Car Rental brands, products and services as well as money-saving offers directly to JetBlue customers and TrueBlue members. TrueBlue members and those with Mosaic status will have the opportunity to earn TrueBlue points when renting from Avis, Budget and Payless. The three rental brands will also be featured on JetBlue's online booking channel located at www.jetblue.com so that travelers can conveniently make car rental reservations when purchasing airline tickets.
In addition, as part of this exclusive agreement, Avis and Budget will be featured in other channels, including:
- JetBlue Getaways: The two car rental brands will be listed on the JetBlue Getaways website so that leisure travelers can conveniently book flights and rental vehicles as part of bundled vacation packages.
- Blue Inc.: Avis and Budget will be exclusively promoted on JetBlue's online booking tool and rewards program designed for small and mid-sized businesses.
- A call transfer program: Car rental will be included as a convenient call transfer option for JetBlue customers booking by phone, so that they can easily make a car rental reservation directly with Avis or Budget.
- A corporate travel program: JetBlue employees, commonly referred to as "crewmembers," will have access to quality, well-maintained rental vehicles around the globe, including premium service with Avis and the great value of Budget. Crewmembers will pay a contracted rate on business rentals and will receive discounts on leisure rentals.
"We're excited to build upon our relationship and sign an exclusive agreement with JetBlue," said Stephen Wright, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Latin America/Asia-Pacific, Avis Budget Group. "Incorporating our car rental brands into JetBlue's booking channels will allow us to be at the forefront of the travel planning and booking experience, and should generate incremental rentals. We look forward to serving JetBlue customers at Avis, Budget and Payless locations around the world."
"JetBlue is always looking for ways to further enhance our customer travel experience," said Marty St. George, executive vice president, commercial and planning, JetBlue Airways. "Our partnership with Avis Budget Group will provide even more convenient options. JetBlue customers will be able to earn points for car rentals, bringing their dream vacations closer to reality. Also, travelers that are planning their vacations can conveniently add an Avis, Budget or Payless car rental directly into their bundled package."
About Avis Budget Group
Avis Budget Group, Inc. is a leading global provider of vehicle rental services, both through its Avis and Budget brands, which have more than 10,000 rental locations in approximately 175 countries around the world, and through its Zipcar brand, which is the world's leading car sharing network, with more than 900,000 members. Avis Budget Group operates most of its car rental offices in North America, Europe and Australia directly, and operates primarily through licensees in other parts of the world. Avis Budget Group has approximately 30,000 employees and is headquartered in Parsippany, N.J. More information is available at www.avisbudgetgroup.com .
About JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline™, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 32 million customers a year to 90 cities in the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America with an average of 875 daily flights. For more information please visit JetBlue.com.
Avis Budget Group (973) 496-3916 JetBlue Corporate Communications (718) 709-3089
