Etihad Airways, American Airlines in new Frequent Flyer deal

Monday, 6 June 2011 00:00 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and American Airlines announced today that they will build on their existing codeshare relationship by offering their passengers the opportunity to earn frequent flyer miles on flights booked on each other’s networks.

Starting 1 June, 2011, members of Etihad Airways’ Etihad Guest frequent flyer programme and American Airlines’AAdvantage programme will be able to earn miles on eligible American Airlines flights and eligible Etihad Airways flights, respectively. The airlines plan to expand this agreement later this year to include mileage redemption across the two airlines’ networks.

The codeshare agreement between Etihad and American, in place since August 2009, delivers a combined codeshare network of more than 50 destinations worldwide.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “A key strength in Etihad’s growth has been the strategic development of our airline partnerships.  American Airlines has a wide-reaching destination network and a highly loyal customer base, making them an ideal partner for us in expanding our global reach for our customers beyond the destinations we serve directly, while offering new services to our partner’s customers.

“Through our new frequent flyer agreement, I look forward to providing a more rewarding travel experience for AAdvantage members on our network, as well as offering more opportunities to earn miles for the valued members of the Etihad Guest programme.”

“We are very pleased to announce our frequent flier partnership with Etihad, an airline that offers our customers the choice of flying to destinations across the Middle East,” said Virasb Vahidi, American’s Chief Commercial Officer.

On Chicago-O’Hare and New York-JFK – Abu Dhabi routes, AAdvantage mileage accrual is valid only on American marketed/Etihad operated flights. On Chicago-O’Hare, New York-JFK and Toronto-Abu Dhabi routes, Etihad Guest mileage accrual is valid only on Etihad marketed and operated flights.

COMMENTS