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“Today, Etihad Airways and EL AL announced a new reciprocal loyalty agreement.”
I read the press release and thought it over. It took a while to digest, like anyone with a better memory than last week.
El Al was established in 1948 as national airline Israel, even though it has been privatized. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has long been part of the Arab boycott of Israel. In fact, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s first president since it became an independent state in 1971, referred to Israel as an “enemy”.
But now, the two airlines representing their respective countries are “loyal” to each other, at least in the narrow sense of the term frequent flyer. Their business relationship reflects the growing normalization of relations between the two erstwhile rivals.
Their new agreement extends the existing codeshare relationship between Etihad Airways and EL AL. Members of these airline loyalty programs can now earn and redeem miles on flights on both airline networks.about eight million members Etihad frequent flyer loyalty program, while EL AL’s cemetery is Israel’s largest loyalty program with over 2.6 million members.
Etihad Frequent Flyer members can redeem their miles for EL AL travel starting from 6,000 miles in Economy Class and 10,000 miles in Business Class. EL AL Matmid members can redeem points across the Etihad network (including Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi) for 800 points in economy class and 1500 points in business class.
Nevertheless, who would have thought that the Israelites would be in $20,000 per ticket On an Etihad A380, or maybe an Arab from the Gulf travels on a safety-obsessed El Al plane? In the pursuit of points and miles, there are obviously old enemies fighting side by side.
Shared interests in business and concerns about Iranian expansionism have brought the odd pair of countries together. Meanwhile, the expansion of the 2020 Abraham Accords, initiated by President Trump, expands the agreement to more countries.
The partnership opens up much of the world to travelers from both countries, according to Statistical data. Israel and the United Arab Emirates have similar populations, each with 9 to 10 million people. “Both countries have a gross domestic product (GDP) of around $400 billion, with a relatively small population enjoying a high per capita income standard of living,” said economic development credit insurer Atradius.
The agreement has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in trade.To date, more than 250,000 Israelis have visited the uae. Although the pandemic and its quarantine measures have reduced the flow of passengers, Israeli President Herzog said: “We are waiting for many UAE travel to Israel after COVID,” Herzog said.
“Etihad Airways is proud to further deepen our partnership with EL AL,” said Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer, Etihad Airways. “With the signing of the historic Abraham Accords, Etihad becomes the first GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) airline to Israel, a partnership that further cements Etihad Airways’ pioneering spirit. “
In the code-sharing jigsaw, EL AL placed its ‘LY’ code at seven destinations across the Etihad network, including Tel Aviv, Bahrain, Seoul, Melbourne, Manila, Seychelles and Sydney.
On the other hand, Etihad frequent flyer members can now fly with EL AL. Tel Aviv offers a network of over 45 destinations in the US, Europe, Africa and the Far East.
Etihad Airways currently operates daily scheduled year-round flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv. Passengers from Tel Aviv can fly with Etihad Airways to various destinations in Asia, Australia and the Indian subcontinent.
Shlomi Zafrany, EL AL’s Vice President Commercial and Industrial Affairs, said: “This is the next phase following the codeshare agreement between EL AL and Etihad Airways, allowing EL AL passengers to fly with Etihad Airways. The company’s flights fly to various destinations in Abu Dhabi and its network.” “This cooperation is a result of the positive outcome of the Abraham Accords signed in September 2020, and we look forward to further strengthening the cooperation.”
Perhaps the two airlines are an odd pair, but they are working together to expand business and travel in the Middle East.
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