Etihad Airways’ innovative loyalty programme, Etihad Guest, has been voted the best by the people that really count - members of the region’s frequent flyer programmes.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline scooped the top accolade - ‘Programme of the Year’ – at the ‘Freddie’ awards, organised by the respected US-based InsideFlyer magazine to recognise the travel industry’s best frequent flyer programmes.
Etihad Guest also picked up the ‘Best Website’, ‘Best Award Redemption’ and ‘Best Customer Service’ awards for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. Overall, the airline was placed in the top five in no less than 15 separate categories (top three in nine categories) – an unprecedented achievement for any airline.
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ executive vice president marketing and product, said: “For Etihad Guest to pick up so many top awards in only its second year is an incredible achievement. To be voted ‘Programme of the Year’ is the ultimate honour.
“At last year’s ‘Freddie’ awards, when Etihad Guest was still in its infancy, we received a special ‘Industry Impact’ award, recognising the way we have revolutionised frequent flyer programmes. In the 12 months since, the programme has gone from strength-to-strength to be judged the best by the people that count most - the public.”
The Freddie awards ceremony took place in Phoenix, USA, with more than 600,000 votes submitted from members of travel loyalty programmes from across the world.
Randy Petersen, the editor of InsideFlyer magazine, said: “Newcomer Etihad Guest has knocked out the competition this year to claim Programme of the Year. In only its second year, the young frequent flyer programme has garnered the ultimate Freddie in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.
“Etihad Guest was ready from day one to offer its members a well-rounded, well thought out and flexible programme. Special congratulations go to Etihad for this most impressive win.”
Barry Green, head of CRM and loyalty, said: “In less than two years, Etihad Guest has established itself as one of the world’s most respected airline loyalty programmes. Our innovative approach to reward redemption continues to set new benchmarks within the industry. It’s wonderful that the public has taken Etihad Guest to their hearts.”
Etihad Guest now has more than 350,000 members and expects to have more than half a million mark by the end of 2008.
Photo caption: Sharada Iyer, manager CRM development (left) and Barry Green, head of CRM and loyalty (right), celebrate Etihad Airways’ four awards at the 2008 Freddie Awards in Phoenix, Arizona. The prestigious awards recognise the airline industry’s best frequent flyer programmes.
About Etihad Guest
Etihad Guest was launched in August 2006 and has quickly established itself as one of airline industry’s fastest-growing and most innovative loyalty programmes.
Etihad Guest now boasts more than 350,000 members and expects to exceed the half a million mark by the end of 2008.
The programme offers members the opportunity to accumulate Etihad Guest Miles which can be redeemed against a wide selection of up to 750 flight and non-flight rewards from 70 partners, ranging from hotel accommodation and car rental to retail discounts.
Etihad Guest continues to set new standards within the world of loyalty programmes. ‘Family Membership’, for example, allows up to eight family members to pool collectively earned miles into a single account to be enjoyed and shared by everyone.
In another exciting recent development, Etihad Guest has introduced special online auctions and raffles, giving members the opportunity use their miles to bid for rewards, including tickets for top sporting events and sell-out pop concerts.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi.
Currently Etihad offers flights to 45 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
For further details: Etihad Airways Corporate Communications: Tel: + 971 (0) 2 505 8317 / 8573 visit www.etihadairways.com
