Etihad Guest to become multi-airline program

The new development will see Seychelles Plus, the Air Seychelles frequent flyer program, becoming fully integrated into Etihad Guest’s loyalty platform.

The change will be effective from Saturday June 16 and all Seychelles Plus members will automatically receive a new co-branded membership based on Etihad’s loyalty program.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “The integration of Seychelles Plus into Etihad Guest continues the exciting partnership expansion between Etihad Airways and Air Seychelles.

“The new development marks a major milestone for Etihad Guest as it evolves from being a program that supports one airline, to one that supports multiple airlines.”

As part of the integration of Air Seychelles, the existing tier status of Seychelles Plus members will be carried over to new Etihad Guest memberships. For example, Seychelles Plus Gold members will automatically be enrolled as Etihad Guest Gold members.

For guests with memberships of both programs, the accounts, including mileage balances, will be automatically merged.

Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles chief executive officer, said: “I am thrilled to offer improved benefits, services and flexibility for our valued and loyal guests. Our partnership with Etihad Guest will yield tangible benefits for our loyalty program members, opening up accrual and redemption abilities across the globe via their acclaimed program.

“Best of all, our guests not only keep their existing tier status, but also get eight Etihad Guest Miles for every Seychelles Plus point, ensuring that this integration is rewarding from the onset.”

The Seychelles Plus program will cease operation on June 15. Retrospective claims for flights on Air Seychelles will be honoured on or before June 30 2012.

In January, Etihad Airways acquired a 40% stake in Air Seychelles and the two airlines now operate eight return services a week between Abu Dhabi and the Indian Ocean archipelago – four by Air Seychelles and four by Etihad Airways.