American Airlines and Etihad Airways Expand Frequent Flyer Agreement

FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — American Airlines and Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today announced they will offer passengers the opportunity to redeem frequent flyer miles on flights booked on each other’s networks.

Starting today, members of American’s AAdvantage® program and Etihad Airways Etihad Guest frequent flyer program will be able to redeem miles on eligible American Airlines flights and eligible Etihad Airways flights. This follows the June 1 announcement that the airlines would allow passengers to earn miles 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.

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

“We are thrilled to offer full ‘earn and burn’ options to the valued members of the Etihad Guest and AAdvantage programs,” said Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer. “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 to our partner’s guests.”