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FORT WORTH, Texas, June 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 flights.
Starting June 1, members of Etihad Airways Etihad Guest frequent flyer program will be able to earn miles on eligible American Airlines flights. Likewise, members of American Airlines AAdvantage® program will be able to earn miles on eligible Etihad Airways flights. The airlines plan to expand this agreement later this year to include mileage redemption across the two airline’s 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 network of airline partners. 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 beyond the destinations we serve directly.
"Through this new frequent flyer program agreement, I look forward to providing a more seamless and enjoyable travel experience for AAdvantage members on our network, as well as offering more opportunities to earn miles for the loyal members of Etihad Guest."
"We are very pleased to announce our frequent flyer 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.
About the AAdvantage® Program
The AAdvantage program was the first frequent flyer program, and was established in 1981. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the AAdvantage program, which now has more than 67 million members worldwide. Members can earn miles at more than 1,000 participating companies, which include 27 hotel chains representing more than 60 brands, more than 20 airlines, eight car-rental companies, 11 financial companies, and over 500 brand name retailers. In addition, members can earn miles when making purchases with one of more than 100 affinity card products in over 40 countries. In 2010, AAdvantage members redeemed more than 165 billion miles to claim just fewer than 7.2 million awards for flights, upgrades and car rentals. For more information and a listing of AAdvantage program participating companies, visit www.aa.com/aadvantage.
About American Airlines
American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection® serve 250 cities in 50 countries with, on average, more than 3,600 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American’s award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve approximately 900 destinations with more than 9,000 daily flights to 145 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR).
About Etihad Guest
The award-winning loyalty program, Etihad Guest, was launched in August 2006 and quickly established itself as one of airline industry’s fastest-growing and most innovative loyalty programs. Etihad Guest now boasts more than 1.1 million members. The program offers members the opportunity to accumulate Etihad Guest Miles which can be redeemed against a wide selection of more than 2,900 flights and non-flight rewards from more than 200 partners, ranging from hotel accommodation and car rental to retail discounts and exciting products on Etihad Guest’s online Reward Shop. For further information on Etihad Guest, please visit: www.etihadguest.com.
About Etihad
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2010 carried more than seven million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad serves 67 cities in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America (New York, Chicago and Toronto), with a fleet of 57 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. For more information, please visit: www.etihadairways.com.
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