Etihad Airways and American Airlines expand frequent flyer agreement

Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and American Airlines announced today that they will offer passengers the opportunity to redeem frequent flyer miles on flights booked on each other’s networks.

Starting October 18, 2011, members of Etihad Airways’ Etihad Guest frequent flyer programme and American’s AAdvantage programme will be able to redeem miles on eligible American Airlines flights and eligible Etihad Airways flights, respectively. This follows the June 1 announcement that the airlines would allow passengers to earn mileage across their respective networks.

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

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “I am thrilled to offer full ‘earn and burn’ options for the valued members of the Etihad Guest and AAdvantage programmes. Codeshare and frequent flyer partnerships, such as the one we have with American, are vital to Etihad’s success as a young and growing airline.

“Through this agreement, we are able to expand our reach for our loyal guests far beyond the destinations we serve directly, as well as offer expanded services for our partner’s guests.”

Maya Leibman, President – AAdvantage Loyalty Program, said: “Etihad has been a valued partner, and this expanded relationship with them gives our customers even more options when redeeming frequent flier miles as well as more travel choices to cities in the Middle East.”