Starting July 3, members of Vietnam Airlines’ Lotusmiles frequent flyer programme can earn miles when flying with Etihad Airways and redeem them for flights operated by Vietnam Airlines, Etihad Airways or any other partner airline within the programme.(Photo: VNA)

The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and its United Arab Emirates (UAE) counterpart - Etihad Airways - have signed a frequent flyer partnership agreement that will enable members of their loyalty schemes to earn and redeem miles across both networks.

Accordingly, starting July 3, members of Vietnam Airlines’ Lotusmiles frequent flyer programme can earn miles when flying with Etihad Airways and redeem them for flights operated by Vietnam Airlines, Etihad Airways, or any other partner airline within the programme.

In addition to flight redemptions, miles can also be used for hotel stays worldwide or shopping on LotusMall, an exclusive retail platform for Lotusmiles members.

With Etihad Airways’ extensive global network, Lotusmiles members now have access to exciting destinations such as Charlotte (North Carolina, the US), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), and Tunis (Tunisia).

Meanwhile, members of Etihad Guest can earn and redeem miles across Vietnam Airlines’ growing route network, including recently launched direct flights to San Francisco, Kuala Lumpur, and Perth.

Nguyen Sy Thanh, Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles Director, said that the collaboration will offer Lotusmiles members greater opportunities to earn and redeem miles across an extensive global network, including destinations in North America and the Middle East.

The partnership marks an important milestone in Vietnam Airlines’ journey to enhance customer value and reinforce its continued commitment to provide memorable travel experiences. Beyond that, the partnership reflects the carrier's dedication to delivering the image of Vietnam and its rich cultural identity closer to the world, Thanh said.

Managing Director Etihad Guest at Etihad Airways Mark Potter said "complimenting Etihad’s launch of flights to Hanoi from November this year, this partnership gives our members access to Vietnam Airlines’ impressive global network, offering members more destinations across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and domestic Vietnam".

"Etihad Airways looks forward to welcoming Lotusmiles members onboard Etihad soon, to experience signature Emirati hospitality".

In 2024, Vietnam Airlines và Etihad Airways signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which laid a solid foundation for cooperation between the two airlines in many areas such as passenger and cargo transportation, ground services, maintenance, supply of materials and technology. It also creates a premise for the two sides to realise strategic goals, contributing to promoting trade, tourism and economic development between Vietnam and the UAE.