American Express and Etihad Airways form alliance for joint loyalty programmes

Under the new global agreement, American Express Cardmembers from over 13 countries including the Middle East and North Africa, who are enrolled in the award-winning Membership Rewards programme will be able to transfer their rewards points to the Etihad Guest programme'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 Cardmembers," said Premal Patel, Senior Marketing Director - American Express Middle East & North Africa. "Membership Rewards and Etihad Guest are both loyalty programmes of high stature, developed by brands that have in-depth understanding of luxury offerings and offer personalised service. The coming together of these two programmes will undoubtedly appeal to our regional and global Cardmembers."

Launched in 1991, Membership Rewards is one of the world's largest card-based rewards programme. It allows Cardmembers to earn points based on their spending on the Card and redeem them for retail, travel, dining and entertainment benefits, as well as use the points to make charitable donations or pay their membership fees.

Today, 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 programme 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 Cardmembers 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 accrual is immediate, with individuals from every country aged two-years old and upwards eligible to join. Launched in August 2006, the award-winning Etihad Guest programme now has more than 30 international partners. Members can spend and accrue miles on a wealth of flights, products and services using the exclusive Reward Shop.