Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Loyalty Partnership Takes Off

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa and one of the fastest growing airline brands globally, has announced a partnership between its loyalty program, ShebaMiles, and Etihad Airways’ loyalty program, Etihad Guest, effective October 2025.

The ShebaMiles program has been operating for more than 26 years and has a membership base of over 5.38 million. ShebaMiles has four tier levels — Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum — offering increasing benefits, engagement, and recognition for premium members.

Regarding the program partnership, Ethiopian Airlines Group Marketing Vice President Mrs. Rahel Assefa said, “As a customer centric airline, we are delighted to expand our passengers’ connectivity and flexibility in earning miles.

This program partnership is a great opportunity for loyalty program members of both airlines. At Ethiopian, we continue to elevate our passengers’ experience through innovation and meaningful partnerships.”

In addition to its loyalty program, Ethiopian partners with 25 Star Alliance member airlines and maintains partnerships with strategic airline partners across Africa and with Gol Airlines of Brazil.

The Etihad Guest loyalty program has been in operation for over 19 years and serves a membership base of more than 12 million. Etihad Guest has five tier levels — Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and the exclusive Emerald — and its award-winning program now features partnerships with 26 airlines, the largest portfolio of airline partners outside an alliance.

Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest, commented, “We’re delighted to welcome Ethiopian Airlines as a frequent flyer partner, expanding the benefits and opportunities available to our Etihad Guest members across Africa and beyond.

This partnership reflects our commitment to rewarding our guests with greater choice, flexibility, and seamless connectivity as part of the growing cooperation between our airlines.

With the launch of our flights between Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi, we’re proud to strengthen ties with one of Africa’s leading carriers and look forward to offering even more value to our loyal members and welcoming ShebaMiles members onboard.”

Both loyalty programs provide compelling opportunities to earn and redeem miles through flights and through diverse non-airline partnerships, including financial institutions, hotels, car rental companies, shopping centers, co-branded cards, points exchanges, and more.

This partnership provides frequent flyers of both programs with improved connectivity, greater flexibility, and more convenience in earning and redeeming miles, as well as consistent recognition and seamless delivery of benefits for premium members across our global networks.