Etihad Airways and STARLUX Airlines have expanded their frequent-flyer partnership to allow members of both programmes to earn and redeem miles on flights operated by either carrier.
The enhanced agreement links Etihad Guest with STARLUX’s COSMILE programme through two-way mileage services. Members can use miles for award tickets on partner-operated flights, earn miles when travelling on eligible services and request retroactive credit for qualifying journeys.
| Programme | Partner benefits | Cabins covered |
|---|---|---|
| Etihad Guest | Earn and redeem miles on STARLUX flights | First, Business and Economy |
| COSMILE | Earn and redeem miles on Etihad flights | First, Business and Economy |
Two-way earning joins existing redemption access
The change builds on an arrangement introduced in August. That initial phase allowed Etihad Guest members to redeem miles for Business and Economy travel across the STARLUX network. The latest expansion adds mileage accrual for members of both programmes and extends redemption and earning opportunities across all three cabin classes.
The new benefits took effect on 28 October. An Etihad Guest member travelling on STARLUX can now earn miles from the flight and use them towards a later journey with Etihad, while COSMILE members receive the equivalent facility when flying with Etihad Airways.
“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.”
Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest, said the expanded arrangement was intended to make flights on either airline count towards members’ future travel. He described the change as a straightforward extension of the existing relationship between the two programmes.
Network access through Abu Dhabi
For COSMILE members, the partnership provides access to Etihad’s network through the carrier’s hub in Abu Dhabi. Glenn Chai, CEO of STARLUX Airlines, said the two airlines’ combined networks would give COSMILE members the opportunity to extend journeys to more than 120 destinations worldwide via Abu Dhabi.
Chai said the expansion formed part of STARLUX’s efforts to develop international airline partnerships and broaden the uses of its COSMILE programme. The arrangement therefore combines frequent-flyer benefits with access to the two carriers’ wider route networks, rather than limiting members to mileage redemption on one partner’s flights.
- Etihad Guest members can earn and redeem miles on eligible STARLUX flights.
- COSMILE members can earn and redeem miles on eligible Etihad services.
- Benefits now cover First, Business and Economy cabins across both networks.
