American and Etihad Airways Expand Frequent-Flyer Program Agreement

American Airlines and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways are expanding their frequent-flyer-program agreement to offer passengers the opportunity to redeem frequent flyer miles on flights booked on each other’s networks.

From October 18, members of American Airlines’ 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 an announcement on June 1 that the airlines would allow passengers to earn miles across their respective networks. The two airlines codeshare on some of their flights.

American Airlines operates 58 Boeing 767-300ERs. For many years the 767-300ER has formed the core of American's long-haul fleet. The carrier primarily uses the type on routes to Europe and South America

Launched in August 2009,  the codeshare agreement between Etihad Airways and American 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,” says Maya Leibman, president of the AAdvantage loyalty program.

“We are thrilled to offer full ‘earn and burn’ options to the valued members of the Etihad Guest and AAdvantage programs,” says 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.”