Air France-KLM and Etihad have launched the next stage of their rapidly developing partnership, with the ability for frequent flyer members to earn and redeem across programmes.
In September the two groups announced plans to significantly expand their codeshare agreement, with more than 40 new routes covering destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Australia.
At the time a Memorandum of Understanding also proposed reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, alongside the possibility of terminal co-location, reciprocal lounge access and ground handling initiatives.
The first part of the above has now launched, with members of the Flying Blue and Etihad Guest schemes now able to earn and redeem miles in either loyalty programme when flying on Air France, KLM or Etihad.
The groups added that “reciprocal benefits for elite members will be announced soon”.
A press release said that “Following the MoU signed earlier this year, Air France-KLM and Etihad Airways customers can now connect to – and therefore to earn and redeem miles for – more than 60 new routes covering destinations worldwide.”
Business Traveller has contacted the PR representing Air France-KLM for more information on earning and redemption rates for the reciprocal agreement, but it was unable to provide more information at this time.
Air France currently operates daily flights between Paris CDG and Abu Dhabi, while Etihad offers daily services from Abu Dhabi to both Paris CDG and Amsterdam Schiphol.
Commenting on the news Angus Clarke, executive vice president and chief commercial officer Air France-KLM, said:
“I’m very happy to further develop our partnership with Etihad Airways. This 11-year collaboration is now expanding even further, as we aim to explore opportunities in loyalty, in addition to enhancing our route network for the benefit of our customers from all around the world.
“The attractiveness of Abu Dhabi as a destination and a hub, powered by Etihad’s large footprint spanning South and Southeast Asia, as well as Australia, brings significant richness to this partnership.
“This moment marks our shared commitment to providing seamless, premium, customer-centric travel experiences to our shared global customer base and our 20 million loyal Flying Blue members.”