IBS Software and Emirates Skywards: A Strategic Partnership for the Future of Loyalty
In a landmark development for loyalty programs in the travel sector, IBS Software, a frontrunner in SaaS solutions, has successfully launched its cloud-native iLoyal platform in collaboration with Emirates Skywards, the prestigious loyalty program associated with Emirates and flydubai. Announced on September 17, 2025, this partnership is set to revolutionize customer engagement for over 35 million loyalty members worldwide.
The Essence of the Partnership
This strategic alliance signifies a pivotal moment for both entities as they embark on a journey to modernize the Emirates Skywards loyalty program. The iLoyal platform aims to create a flexible, personalized experience for members, leveraging real-time data to meet their evolving expectations. The technology enables seamless integration with over 100 global brand partners, unlocking new value opportunities and transforming the overall member experience.
Marcus Puffer, Vice President and Head of Loyalty Management Solutions at IBS Software, expressed pride in this successful launch, stating, "This go-live is a proud moment for IBS Software and a testament to the power of strategic collaborations. iLoyal is more than just a platform; it's a catalyst for transforming how airlines engage with their most valuable customers. We are honored to support Emirates Skywards’ vision for growth and innovation."
Meanwhile, Dr. Nejib Ben-Khedher, the Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates Skywards, emphasized the importance of this partnership in their innovation strategy, claiming, "We are building a future-ready loyalty ecosystem that empowers us to deliver richer, more seamless, and more rewarding experiences to our members. The capabilities of iLoyal are not just enhancements; they are fundamental building blocks for future innovations."
Aiming for Excellence in Customer Experience
The iLoyal platform is specifically constructed for the travel industry, with a focus on allowing brands to create, manage, and scale their loyalty programs. Its modular architecture and open API framework provide operational efficiency and integration capabilities, ensuring that operators can easily connect with various partners. Ali Serdar Yakut, Executive Vice President of IT at Emirates, reiterated this sentiment by noting, "We are pleased to modernize our loyalty infrastructure in partnership with IBS Software. This deployment reflects our shared vision of delivering world-class digital experiences."
The iLoyal platform is expected to facilitate significant enhancements in member engagement, encourage member loyalty through personalized experiences, and streamline interactions with various partners across different segments.
The Bigger Picture: Defining the Future of Loyalty
This collaboration reflects IBS Software's broader mission to spearhead digital transformation in the airline and travel sector. As the company continues to expand its footprint in this arena, the successful implementation of iLoyal positions them as a trusted partner to leading aviation brands globally.
The Emirates Skywards loyalty program currently boasts over 35 million members across various membership tiers—Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—each offering distinct rewards and privileges. Members can accrue and redeem Skywards Miles with various partners ranging from hotels to car rentals, allowing for an extensive array of rewards, including flight tickets and unique experiences.
As IBS Software advances its technology pioneers through strategic partnerships, the future of loyalty programs in the travel industry looks promising. To further explore this evolution and understand the modern passenger's expectations, interested readers can download IBS Software's comprehensive E-Book, 'The Case for Loyalty - Meeting Expectations for the Modern Passenger.'
About Emirates Skywards
Emirates Skywards stands as a testament to the innovative thinking in loyalty programs, with over 35 million members benefiting from a plethora of rewards and partnerships that enhance their loyalty experience. For more details about the program, visit
Emirates Skywards.
About IBS Software
IBS Software is known globally as a premier SaaS solutions provider for the travel industry, capturing mission-critical operations across aviation, hospitality, and energy resources. The company maintains 17 offices worldwide and continues to focus on executing digital transformation initiatives, thus shaping the future of travel. More information can be found at
IBS Software.