Etihad Airways’ innovative loyalty programme, Etihad Guest, has been voted the best by members of the region’s frequent flyer programmes.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline scooped the top accolade - ‘Programme of the Year’ – at the ‘Freddie’ awards, organised by the US-based InsideFlyer magazine to recognise the travel industry’s best frequent flyer programmes.

Etihad Guest also picked up the ‘Best Website’, ‘Best Award Redemption’ and ‘Best Customer Service’ awards for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

Overall, the airline was placed in the top five in no less than 15 separate categories (top three in nine categories) – an unprecedented achievement for any airline.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ executive vice president marketing and product, said: “For Etihad Guest to pick up so many top awards in only its second year is an incredible achievement. To be voted ‘Programme of the Year’ is the ultimate honour."
 
"At last year’s ‘Freddie’ awards, when Etihad Guest was still in its infancy, we received a special ‘Industry Impact’ award, recognising the way we have revolutionised frequent flyer programmes. In the 12 months since, the programme has gone from strength-to-strength to be judged the best by the people that count most - the public.”

The Freddie awards ceremony took place in Phoenix, USA, with more than 600,000 votes submitted from members of travel loyalty programmes from across the world.

Randy Petersen, the editor of InsideFlyer magazine, said: “Newcomer Etihad Guest has knocked out the competition this year to claim 'Programme of the Year.' In only its second year, the young frequent flyer programme has garnered the ultimate Freddie in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

“Etihad Guest was ready from day one to offer its members a well-rounded, well thought out and flexible programme. Special congratulations go to Etihad for this most impressive win.”

Barry Green, head of CRM and loyalty, said: “In less than two years, Etihad Guest has established itself as one of the world’s most respected airline loyalty programmes. Our innovative approach to reward redemption continues to set new benchmarks within the industry. It’s wonderful that the public has taken Etihad Guest to their hearts.”

Etihad Guest now has more than 350,000 members and expects to have more than half a million mark by the end of 2008.-TradeArabia News Service