AOPA inks strategic partnership with Enterprise Holdings

2012-09-14 — /travelprnews.com/ — AOPA has entered into a strategic partnership with St. Louis-based Enterprise Holdings, the most comprehensive service provider and only investment-grade company in the U.S. car rental industry. Enterprise Holdings operates the flagship Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand, as well as National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands.

As a strategic partner in AOPA’s new Corporate Partnership Program, the Enterprise, National, and Alamo brands will show support for the association all year round through sponsorship and engagement activities that will benefit AOPA members while also providing them with special rental car offers and discounts.

“We’re excited to partner with Enterprise Holdings and its outstanding brands,” said Ed Thompson, AOPA vice president of corporate partnerships and products. “They cover the wide spectrum of travel support that GA pilots need in both their personal and professional lives, including dropping off cars or picking up customers at destinations where there is no car rental counter in sight.”

The partnership between AOPA and Enterprise is a natural fit, since founder Jack Taylor served as a decorated Navy fighter pilot during World War II. As a result of that experience, he named his family-owned business after the USS Enterprise, one of the aircraft carriers upon which he had served.

“In the same way that AOPA members are passionate about flying, we are passionate about providing them with the highest level of customer service and value in our industry,” says Steve Short, vice president of leisure business development for Enterprise Holdings. “We look forward to utilizing our three brands to serve members, whether they fly at general aviation or commercial airports.”

Enterprise’s worldwide network includes more than 7,800 neighborhood and airport locations, with 6,000 offices located within 15 miles of 90 percent of the U.S. population—and more than twice as many locations as Enterprise Holdings’ nearest U.S. competitor.

While many members have previously taken advantage of great offers and service from Enterprise and Alamo through AOPA’s Car Rental Discount Program, National is new to the mix of preferred brands.

“National’s Emerald Club is ideal for the frequent traveler with their counter bypass process, Drop & GoSM service, and convenient e-receipts,” Thompson said. “And all three brands deliver the type of award-winning service that our members deserve.”

In 2011, Executive Travel magazine recognized National as the top rental car service in the travel industry, honoring the brand with its Leading Edge Awards. In addition, the SmarterTravel Editors Choice Award went to Emerald Club in 2010 and 2011 as the Best Rental Car Loyalty Program.

As a result of this new partnership, Avis and Hertz are no longer affiliated with the AOPA Car Rental Discount Program.

For more information on special offers and discounts available through this new strategic partnership, visit www.aopa.org/cars.

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