As loyalty program partnerships continue to sweep the Eastern hemisphere, Etihad Airways decided that it was certainly not one to miss out on a lucrative deal. And neither was flybuys, which forms the second half of a dynamic new loyalty program partnership that promises to bring more convenience and value to both shoppers and travellers.
Etihad Airways, the flag carrier of the UAE, and flybuys, Australia's most popular loyalty program, will combine in what’s being called a “world first loyalty partnership.” The results will crescendo into a marketing initiative that will let members of both programs transform everyday shopping into overseas travel.
“The launch today of the partnership with flybuys is exciting news for millions of flybuys members,” said Darren Peisley, Managing Director of Global Loyalty Company. “Now they will be able to turn their weekly shopping at Coles and other selected stores into travel to exciting destinations worldwide. Together, we are offering flybuys members the unique ability to earn Tier Miles in the Etihad Guest program and, as a result, to enjoy the exclusive benefits we offer our most valuable frequent flyers.”
When Etihad Guest members link their flybuys account together, they will earn flybuys points when booking flights, and they will gain access to airline deals to over 100 destinations around the world. Members will also earn Etihad Guest points when they shop at other various partners. Members will earn one point for every AUD 1 spent.
The new partnership also works in reverse. flybuys members can convert their flybuys points to Etihad Guest miles, giving them access to flight rewards and upgrades.
“The partnership with flybuys begins an exciting new chapter for the organization,” Peisley continued. “It is a new style of partnership program offering members a suite of innovative benefits and rewards and the first of several such partnerships which Global Loyalty is developing in other key markets across the world.”
This agreement presents a number of exciting opportunities for everyone involved.
“flybuys is thrilled to be partnering with Etihad Airways,” Adam Story, flybuys General Manager. “We are proud to be offering our members the opportunity to collect flybuys points quicker and redeem them on exciting rewards like international travel. flybuys members will also benefit with access to exclusive discounts on Etihad Airways and members will be able to accelerate their status within the Etihad Guest frequent flyer program by shopping at Coles Supermarkets, Coles Online, Coles Express, and selected stores nationwide.”