Monday, February 25, 2008

American Express and Etihad Airways signed an agreement for loyalty programs

An agreement has been signed between American Express Middle East, provider of premium payment solutions and North Africa, with the UAE’s national airline, Etihad Airways, to link their respective loyalty programs to offer a host of lifestyle rewards for affluent customers across the world.

According to the agreement American Express Card members from over 13 countries including the Middle East and North Africa, who are enrolled in the award-winning Membership Rewards program will be eligible to transfer their rewards points to the Etihad Guest program’s Rewards Shop. Points collected can be redeemed for a wide range of rewards, including free flights and upgrades.

“Partnering with a fast-growing and successful brand such as Etihad Airways is indicative of how American Express continues to enhance its premium offerings in the luxury and rewards space in line with the distinctive lifestyles of our affluent Card members,” said Premal Patel, Senior Marketing Director – American Express Middle East & North Africa. “Membership Rewards and Etihad Guest are both loyalty program of high stature, developed by brands that have in-depth understanding of luxury offerings and offer personalized service. The coming together of these two programs will undoubtedly appeal to our regional and global Card members.”

Membership Rewards program was launched in 1991 is one of the world’s largest card-based rewards program. The Card members earn points based on their spending on the Card and can redeem them for retail, travel, dining and entertainment benefits, as well as use the points to make charitable donations or pay their membership fees.

Currently Membership Rewards has over 1,500 partners around the world – all leading names in the retail, travel, hospitality and entertainment sectors.

Peter Baumgartner, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Product at Etihad Airways said: “Our award winning Etihad Guest program continues to go from strength to strength and we are proud to boast many of the world’s leading companies as our partners. We are delighted to team up with American Express and give its Card members access to our unique Reward Shop where they can redeem points against a wide selection of rewards ranging from free flights and upgrades to hotel accommodation and car rentals.”

Etihad Guest membership is free and mile accumulation is immediate, with individuals from every country aged two-years old and upwards eligible to join. It was started in August 2006, the award-winning Etihad Guest program at present is having more than 30 international partners. Members can spend and accrue miles on a wealth of flights, products and services using the exclusive Reward Shop.

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