UAE flag carrier Etihad Airways and leading US carrier American Airlines recently announced their resolve to further strengthen their existing codeshare relationship, and offer their passengers the opportunity to earn frequent flyer miles on flights booked on each other’s networks.

The new frequent flyer agreement effective June 1, 2011, is enabling members of Etihad Airways’ Etihad Guest frequent flyer program and American Airlines’ AAdvantage program to earn miles on their respective eligible flights.

Later this year, both the airlines are considering expanding the agreement to include mileage redemption across the two airlines’ networks.

The codeshare agreement had been in place since August 2009 between Etihad Airways and American Airlines, and delivers a combined codeshare network of more than 50 destinations worldwide.

The top officials of both the airlines have expressed happiness and satisfaction over the new frequent flyer agreement.

James Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said, “A key strength in Etihad’s growth has been the strategic development of our airline partnerships. American Airlines has a wide-reaching destination network. Through our new frequent flyer agreement, I look forward to providing a more rewarding travel experience for AAdvantage members on our network, as well as offering more opportunities to earn miles for the valued members of the Etihad Guest program.”

American Airline’s Chief Commercial Officer Virasb Vahidi said, “We are 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.”

Terms & Conditions

• 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.