Partnership to integrate Etihad Guest Miles and Smiles platforms, boost destination marketing efforts, and explore business and knowledge-sharing opportunities
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 7th November 2024 – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, and e& UAE, the telecommunications arm of global technology group e&, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore strategic areas of cooperation. The collaboration is designed to enhance customer experience, strengthen business synergies, and support the growth of Abu Dhabi as a leading global destination, with a focus on loyalty programs, marketing, sales, and knowledge sharing.
Enhancing Loyalty Programs for More Customer Value
A key focus of this partnership is to integrate the Etihad Guest and Smiles loyalty platforms. The collaboration will allow members to seamlessly transfer points between the two programs, redeem points with greater flexibility, and unlock exclusive benefits based on membership tiers. This initiative is designed to increase customer value, boost engagement, and foster greater brand loyalty among both Etihad and e& UAE customers.
Boosting Abu Dhabi’s Visibility as a Premier Destination
To further promote Abu Dhabi as a top destination for both business and leisure, Etihad and e& UAE will leverage their combined assets. Joint marketing initiatives will highlight the emirate’s vibrant culture, world-class attractions, and stunning beaches. Special focus will be placed on Etihad’s Stopover Programme, which allows travelers to explore Abu Dhabi during their transit, enhancing its visibility and appeal to a global audience.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, commented: “We are proud to partner with e& UAE to provide extraordinary service to our guests and promote Abu Dhabi as a leading destination. This collaboration will enhance Etihad Guest and Smiles, while creating new business synergies to better serve our mutual customers.”
Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE, added: “This partnership is a significant step forward as we combine our strengths to elevate customer engagement on both loyalty platforms. We aim to highlight Abu Dhabi as a premier global destination, offering customers more flexibility and a wider range of benefits within our loyalty programs.”
Collaboration to Support the SMB Sector
The MoU also outlines a focus on supporting the Small and Medium-sized Business (SMB) sector. Etihad and e& UAE will explore the creation of tailored solutions for this key market segment, aiming to promote sustainable growth and long-term success for SMBs, through joint initiatives that offer tangible benefits to this critical business sector.
Knowledge Sharing to Elevate Customer Experience
Beyond loyalty and marketing, Etihad Airways and e& UAE are committed to knowledge sharing to enhance the overall customer experience. By exchanging insights and best practices, both companies aim to improve decision-making processes, better anticipate customer needs, and stay ahead of market trends.
This partnership aligns with both companies’ long-term goals of positioning the UAE as a leader on the global stage while delivering enhanced products and services to their customers.