Etihad Airways Acquires Alitalia’s Frequent Flyer Program

Etihad Airways
Photo by Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways has acquired a majority stake in Alitalia’s MilleMiglia Frequent Flyer Program. Etihad, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has claimed 75 percent of Alitalia Loyalty S.p.A., the owner and operator of MilleMiglia. Alitalia will keep control of 25 percent of the company. 

Alitalia Loyalty S.p.A. will fold into Etihad’s Global Loyalty Company. The Global Loyalty Company includes Etihad Airways, Etihad Guest, airberlin’s topbonus and Jet Airways’ JetPrivilege programs. These bonus programs have a combined total of 14 million members.

“Etihad Airways’ majority stake in Alitalia Loyalty is a fundamental part of our investment in Alitalia and will position Global Loyalty Company as a leading player in Italy’s loyalty market,” said James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Aviation Group. 

Passengers who register as new members with MilleMiglia before February 28 will receive 4,000 bonus miles. The acquisition is worth an estimated €112.5 million.