It seems the partnership between Etihad Airways and Air France-KLM Group is bearing fruit for its passengers, with a frequent flyer partnership announced.
The move comes after Etihad and Air France-KLM signed a Memorandum of Understanding in September 2023.
As part of this new partnership, members of Flying Blue, Air France and KLM’s loyalty programme, and members of Etihad Guest, the loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, will now be able to earn and redeem Miles in either loyalty programme when flying on Air France, KLM or Etihad.
For passengers, it will open an additional 60 routes that Air France-KLM and Etihad Airways which miles can be earned and redeemed with.
now active, after Air France started operating from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Abu Dhabi International Airport last October. Air France currently operates daily flights between Paris – Charles de Gaulle and Abu Dhabi International Airport, while Etihad currently operates daily flights to both Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
In Quotes
Angus Clarke, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Air France-KLM said:
“I’m very happy to further develop our partnership 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. The attractiveness of Abu Dhabi as a destination and a hub, powered by Etihad’s large footprint spanning South and Southeast Asia, as well as Australia, brings significant richness to this partnership. This moment marks our shared commitment to providing seamless, premium, customer-centric travel experiences to our shared global customer base and our 20 million loyal Flying Blue members.”
Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer at Etihad, said:
“Following our expanded partnership with Air France-KLM signed in September, we’re pleased to bring to market this collaboration to benefit both of our airline’s loyal guests. Our 9 million Etihad Guest Members will now have access to earn and redeem Etihad Guest Miles when flying with Air France-KLM giving even greater opportunities to enjoy the benefits of the programme. We look forward to welcoming Flying Blue members on to the expanding Etihad network to earn Flying Blue Miles as they choose to fly with Etihad.”
More on the way soon.
Cross-mileage earning is an important step forward, but the one the elite frequent flyers of Etihad Guest and Flying Blue will be watching out for will be the all-important lounge access and other elite benefits.
According to the airlines, the reciprocal benefits for elite members will be due to be announced soon.
We’ll have to see when they turn up – but for now, those who accumulate miles will welcome the extra earning opportunities.
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