Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme from Etihad Airways, has partnered with Xing, a leading global online network for business contacts.

This agreement will further boost the extensive benefits available to the programme’s 600,000-plus members.

Xing is an online business networking community which offers members the ability to develop professional contacts, access networking opportunities and other privileges through a range of web-based tools and resources.

Xing premium members who enrol in Etihad Guest through its Best Offers link will earn 5000 Etihad Guest bonus miles with their first, post-enrolment Etihad Airways flight. Etihad Guest members who enrol as premium members of Xing will get three months free membership.

“It’s very exciting to see another high quality partner like Xing join the Etihad Guest programme and take it to new heights,” said Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer.

'Business professionals from more than 190 countries connect on Xing, many are globally connected and frequent travelers. I am confident that our members will see great value in this unique offer,” added Nelly Liebrecht, market development manager Mena at Xing.

Etihad Guest was voted best website, best member communication, best bonus promotion and best award redemption at this year’s global ‘Freddie’ awards. The programme also claimed runners up spot in three other categories: best award, best customer service and programme of the year, according to a company statement.-TradeArabia News Service