Dhaka: Qatar Airways announced that it would shortly begin using Avios as the currency for its Privilege Club frequent flyer programme.

The scheme previously used a currency known as Qmiles, and holders of these points will have them directly converted into the new currency.

The switch is set to take place in late March 2022.

Qatar Airways revealed its plans to switch its rewards currency to Avios in a statement published on February 23.

When the change from Qmiles comes into effect in late March 2022, it will apply to all members of the Doha-based oneworld member's Privilege Club frequent flyer programme, opening up new opportunities, said the airline in a statement.

The airline is advertising a 'seamless transition' between the currencies, and this will certainly be true in terms of the exchange rate. Qatar Airways noted that "existing Qmiles balances [will change] automatically to Avios on a 1:1 ratio basis."

On this note, Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways, stated, "The transition from Qmiles to Avios marks a ground-breaking new era for Privilege Club, enabling our loyal members to participate in the most compelling loyalty network and the largest portfolio of partners in the industry."

Amid the struggles of the coronavirus pandemic, frequent flyers who would previously have travelled extensively have found it hard to retain their status due to restrictions on travel.

With this in mind, Qatar Airways has rewarded its frequent flyers by extending the validity of members' existing tier status.

Specifically, the airline has automatically extended the validity of existing silver, gold, and platinum memberships due for renewal between December 2021 and December 2022 until the end of this year.