AMERICAN
Express has fired its latest salvo in its battle with British Airways by
launching a promotional campaign with two of the airline’s fiercest
competitors.
The
credit-card company is offering five times its normal ‘membership reward’
points to customers who book flights with Virgin Atlantic and BMI British
Midland during July.
In
addition, customers purchasing a BMI business-class seat using Amex will also
receive two free economy return flights to any destination in Europe if they book
before the end of August.
The
move comes after Amex dumped BA from its preferred supplier’s list following a
dispute over credit-card charges.
This
followed BA’s filing of a lawsuit in New York against Amex preventing it from
cancelling its merchant fee agreement with the airline.
A spokeswoman for Amex refused to comment on whether
the promotion was in response to BA’s stance. BA declined to comment.