New business network partner joins Etihad Guest loyalty programme

This agreement will further boost the extensive benefits already available to the programme's 600,000-plus members.

Xing is an online business networking community which offers members the ability to develop professional contacts, access networking opportunities and other privileges through a range of web-based tools and resources. Membership is on two levels - a basic membership which is free, and premium membership which requires a monthly fee.

Xing premium members who enrol in Etihad Guest through its Best Offers link will earn 5000 Etihad Guest bonus miles with their first, post-enrolment Etihad Airways flight. Etihad Guest members who enrol as premium members of Xing will get three months free membership.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' chief commercial officer, said:

"Etihad Airways award-winning loyalty programme, Etihad Guest, prides itself on offering its members some of the most exclusive benefits available within the industry. It's very exciting to see another high quality partner like Xing join the Etihad Guest programme and take it to new heights."

Nelly Liebrecht, Market Development Manager Mena at Xing AG, said, "Business professionals from more than 190 countries connect on Xing, many are globally connected and frequent travelers. I am confident that our members will see great value in this unique offer."

Etihad Guest was voted best website, best member communication, best bonus promotion and best award redemption at this year's global 'Freddie' awards. The programme also claimed runners up spot in three other categories: best award, best customer service and programme of the year.