Air France-KLM Group and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, have announced a new partnership between their loyalty programs, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September 2023. This collaboration allows members of Flying Blue, Air France and KLM’s loyalty program, and Etihad Guest, the loyalty program of Etihad Airways, to earn and redeem miles when flying on any of the three airlines.
The partnership, effective from today, extends the connectivity for passengers, offering more than 60 new routes that cover a range of global destinations. This follows Air France’s initiation of services from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Abu Dhabi International Airport last October.
Angus Clarke, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air France-KLM, highlighted the growth of the decade-long collaboration with Etihad Airways. “This 11-year collaboration is now expanding even further, as we aim to explore opportunities in loyalty, in addition to enhancing our route network for the benefit of our customers from all around the world,» Clarke said. He also emphasized the strategic significance of Abu Dhabi, bolstered by Etihad’s strong presence in South and Southeast Asia, as well as Australia.
Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer at Etihad, expressed his satisfaction with the expanded partnership. “We’re pleased to bring to market this collaboration to benefit both of our airline’s loyal guests,» De noted. He pointed out that Etihad Guest Members, numbering 9 million, will now have greater opportunities to earn and redeem Etihad Guest Miles when flying with Air France-KLM. De also looked forward to welcoming Flying Blue members onto the Etihad network.
The partnership also promises reciprocal benefits for elite members of both loyalty programs, details of which are to be announced soon. Flying Blue Miles can be redeemed for a variety of experiences, including flights, worldwide hotel stays, car rentals, and products from the Flying Blue Store. Similarly, Etihad Guest Miles can be used for flights, hotel stays, vacations, or items from the Etihad Guest Reward Shop.
