Etihad Airways has announced a frequent-flyer partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, enabling members of Etihad Guest and ShebaMiles to earn and redeem points on both airlines. This development follows Etihad’s inaugural flight to Addis Ababa in October and a codeshare agreement established in July.
According to Etihad Airways’ news release, the airline said that the loyalty tie-up with Ethiopian “strengthens our Joint Venture” by allowing members of both frequent flyer programs to earn and redeem miles across their networks. This initiative aims to expand recognition across overlapping markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The same article highlights that this partnership aligns with network banks and connectivity through Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, delivering “greater value to guests traveling across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.”
Ethiopian Airlines’ corporate press release indicates that the partnership became effective in October 2025. It links ShebaMiles with Etihad Guest, a program serving over 12 million members with five tiers from Bronze through Emerald and 26 airline partners—the largest portfolio outside an alliance, according to Ethiopian. The airline states that members of both programs can now earn and redeem miles across either carrier’s extensive networks, enhancing recognition for premium tiers and rewarding connecting itineraries. The release situates the loyalty tie-up within a broader cooperation framework intended to deepen traffic flows between Africa and the Middle East.
The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority summary and Etihad’s social post mention that Etihad Guest and ShebaMiles members can immediately earn and redeem miles across both networks. The loyalty launch explicitly “strengthens the Joint Venture,” which added a July codeshare agreement and an October route start to Addis Ababa. External coverage reiterates that this loyalty tie-up builds on Etihad’s inaugural Addis Ababa flight in early October, aiming at improving same-day connections via both hubs. This sequence—codeshare in July, inaugural flight on 8 October, and loyalty launch on 29 October—maps a rapid integration timeline designed to accelerate joint venture benefits for customers.
According to its official site, Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), operating a global network from Abu Dhabi with passenger and cargo services across five continents. The airline emphasizes safety, sustainability, guest experience supported by the Etihad Guest loyalty program, and a continuously modernizing fleet. The carrier’s news hub details partnerships—including the Ethiopian joint venture—that expand connectivity and benefits for travelers.
