Ethiopian Airlines & Etihad Airways Transform Travel with New Loyalty Partnership: Earn More Miles, Unlock Global Rewards for Africa and UAE!

Published on October 30, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways’ partnership is a major development for frequent flyer programs, offering more ways to earn miles, greater flexibility in redeeming miles, and enhanced global connectivity across a broad network of destinations. This collaboration, effective October 2025, will benefit ShebaMiles and Etihad Guest members by expanding travel opportunities and rewards options.

Unlock More Travel Opportunities with ShebaMiles and Etihad Guest

For frequent travelers looking to maximize their loyalty rewards, this partnership brings a significant boost. Ethiopian Airlines’ ShebaMiles program, operating for over 26 years, has amassed more than 5.38 million members, offering four membership tiers—Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. This partnership opens new doors for ShebaMiles members, allowing them to earn and redeem miles not only on Ethiopian Airlines flights but also across Etihad Airways’ vast network of routes.

Both carriers are renowned for offering seamless benefits and miles-earning opportunities through their loyalty programs, extending the partnership to include a variety of non-airline partners like hotels, car rental companies, financial institutions, shopping centers, and even co-branded credit cards. This expanded list of earning and redemption options makes travel rewards more accessible and versatile for frequent flyers.

Enhanced Earning and Redemption Options Across Airlines

The ShebaMiles and Etihad Guest partnership allows members to earn miles not only from flights but also through various non-airline partners. Members can now rack up miles through a wide range of everyday activities like booking hotels, renting cars, or shopping at participating retail outlets, making the loyalty programs of both airlines more flexible and accessible.

Consistent Benefits for Premium Members

For premium members of both loyalty programs, this partnership provides consistent recognition across both networks. Premium benefits such as priority boarding, lounge access, and additional baggage allowances will remain available, whether flying with Ethiopian Airlines or Etihad Airways. The seamless integration ensures that premium members receive consistent, high-quality service and exclusive benefits, no matter where they travel.

Connecting Africa and the Middle East

As part of this collaboration, Etihad Airways will enhance travel options between Africa and the Middle East with new routes connecting Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi. This added route will offer greater flexibility and convenience for travelers flying between these regions, and passengers will benefit from expanded travel choices to global destinations.

A Growing Network of Partners and Rewards

Both airlines are dedicated to delivering an excellent travel experience. Ethiopian Airlines, operating more than 160 destinations across five continents, is committed to passenger comfort and environmental sustainability. Etihad Airways, with its luxurious services and global presence, continues to offer premium services while expanding its reach. This partnership ensures travelers can access more destinations, more services, and more opportunities to earn and redeem miles.

More Value for Loyalty Program Members

For ShebaMiles and Etihad Guest members, this partnership provides more flexibility, more destinations, and more ways to use miles for travel rewards. Whether flying for business or leisure, travelers can enjoy an enhanced experience, gaining rewards from flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other services. The expanded miles-earning opportunities ensure that frequent travelers are rewarded for their loyalty, while the added flexibility makes it easier to use miles for desired travel experiences.

Conclusion: A Partnership Designed for Travelers

The Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways partnership is a significant win for frequent flyers, offering more ways to earn miles, greater flexibility in redeeming them, and expanded connectivity across a global network. With greater travel options between Africa, the Middle East, and beyond, this collaboration enhances the travel experience for loyal customers of both airlines. This partnership sets a new standard for cross-carrier collaborations, ensuring that loyalty is rewarded in meaningful and practical ways.