Etihad Airways said its award-winning loyalty program Etihad Guest is to expand further with the integration of the frequent flyer program of Air Serbia (currently Jat Airways) starting from October 28.

The integration of the Extra Flight Club, the frequent flyer program of Air Serbia follows Etihad’s acquisition of a 49 per cent stake in Air Serbia, subject to regulatory approvals, and the Abu Dhabi-based airline gaining a five-year management contract of the Serbian national carrier.

Air Serbia, which is currently being re-branded from Jat Airways, is Serbia's national airline and was founded in 1927. The airline serves over 30 Euro-Mediterranean destinations, and offers long-haul and international destinations in Asia, Australia and the Americas through its codeshare partners

Members of the Etihad Guest program can automatically earn and redeem Etihad Guest Miles across the entire worldwide partner network, which includes international hotel chains, car hire companies and retailers as well as hundreds of brands and thousands of products for miles redemptions in the program’s Reward Shop.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “The integration of the Extra Flight Club into Etihad Guest will offer our new members a wealth of accrual and redemption opportunities around the world.

“This is just one of many exciting benefits that Air Serbia passengers will receive as the airline is rebranded from Jat Airways, enabling them to earn Etihad Guest miles across the Etihad Airways and Air Serbia network.”

Air Serbia CEO Dane Kondic said: “The integration of the Extra Flight Club into Etihad Guest is a key milestone in the development of Air Serbia because Etihad Guest is renowned across the world as the best-in-class and this is something that has never been on offer before.”-TradeArabia News Service