Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, and STARLUX Airlines have announced the expansion of their loyalty partnership, introducing two-way mileage redemption and accrual services for members of both frequent flyer programmes. 

The enhanced partnership offers both Etihad Guest Members and COSMILE members greater flexibility and more options for using their miles. Members can now redeem miles for award tickets on partner-operated flights and earn miles and request retroactive mileage credit for eligible flights, making it easier to plan and enjoy a wider range of travel experiences.

The newly introduced benefits expand on the existing loyalty partnership launched in August which allowed Etihad Guest Members to redeem miles on Business and Economy flights across the STARLUX network. Now, members of both loyalty programmes can earn and redeem miles across both airline networks in First, Business and Economy cabins. 

Travel more rewarding

Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest, said: “Every step in our partnership with STARLUX has been about making travel between our networks more rewarding for our members, and giving members the opportunity to now earn as well as redeem miles on both airlines further enhances the partnership and value for members. From October 28, an Etihad Guest member flying with STARLUX earns miles on that trip and can spend them on their next journey with us, and COSMILE members enjoy the same in reverse. It is a simple promise that makes every flight with either airline count.”

“STARLUX Airlines is committed to continuously enhancing the travel experience for our members by deepening our partnerships with international airlines and creating more diverse travel opportunities,” said Glenn Chai, CEO of STARLUX Airlines. “The expansion of our partnership with Etihad Airways marks an important milestone in our collaboration. By combining our networks and frequent flyer programmes, COSMILE members can enjoy greater flexibility in using their miles and extend their journeys to more than 120 destinations worldwide via Etihad Airways’ hub in Abu Dhabi. We look forward to enhancing the benefits and value of the COSMILE programme through this partnership. Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen our relationships with airline partners to deliver greater convenience and more rewarding experiences throughout every journey.”

The loyalty partnership follows the strategic codeshare agreement Etihad and STARLUX signed in June 2025, and the launch of Etihad's Abu Dhabi–Taipei service in September 2025, operated by Etihad’s Boeing 787-9. Together, these agreements position Abu Dhabi as a gateway between STARLUX's Asia-Pacific network and Etihad's routes across Europe, and Taipei as a key connecting point for Etihad customers travelling across Asia.

Award tickets

STARLUX COSMILE members can redeem their miles for award tickets on Etihad-operated flights across the airlines growing global network, while Etihad Guest members can use their miles to book award tickets on STARLUX Airlines flights. Award tickets are available in First, Business, and Economy cabins, giving members of both programmes greater choice when redeeming their miles.

In addition, COSMILE and Etihad Guest members can earn miles when traveling on eligible flights operated by either airline. Members may also request retroactive mileage credit in accordance with the respective programmes’ terms and conditions, providing greater flexibility and convenience in earning and redeeming miles.—TradeArabia News Service