Key Takeaways
• Etihad and Vietnam Airlines launched a joint loyalty program on July 1, 2025, linking Etihad Guest and Lotusmiles.
• Etihad starts direct Abu Dhabi-Hanoi flights November 2, 2025, as part of its 16 new global destinations expansion.
• Members can earn/redeem miles cross-airlines, access lounges, upgrades, and expanded networks across Asia, Middle East, Europe, and America.
Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines have taken a major step in global aviation by launching a new loyalty partnership, effective July 1, 2025. This agreement allows members of both airlines’ frequent flyer programs—Etihad Guest and Lotusmiles—to earn and redeem miles across both networks. The partnership comes as Etihad Airways prepares to start direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Hanoi on November 2, 2025, further connecting the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This move is part of Etihad’s broader 2025 expansion, which includes 16 new destinations worldwide.
This partnership is not just about flights. It marks a new era for travelers, airlines, and the broader aviation industry. Here’s a detailed look at what this means, how it works, and why it matters for frequent flyers, business travelers, and anyone interested in global travel.
A New Era for Airline Loyalty Programs
The loyalty partnership between Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines is now live, with both airlines’ frequent flyer programs fully linked as of July 1, 2025. This means that travelers who are members of either Etihad Guest or Lotusmiles can now:
- Earn miles when flying with either airline, no matter which program they belong to.
- Redeem miles for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and even shopping (for Lotusmiles members) on both networks.
- Access a wider network of destinations, including Southeast Asia, the Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
- Enjoy elite perks such as lounge access and possible cross-program upgrades.
This partnership is the first phase of a broader cooperation plan, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in October 2024. The MoU covers not only passenger services but also cargo, ground services, maintenance, and technology sharing.
Why This Partnership Matters
For travelers, this partnership means more choices, more flexibility, and better rewards. For the airlines, it’s a strategic move to deepen commercial ties, attract more customers, and promote trade and tourism between Vietnam 🇻🇳 and the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, such partnerships are becoming more common as airlines look for ways to offer greater value to their customers and stay competitive in a fast-changing industry. By linking their loyalty programs, Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines can reach new markets, fill more seats, and build stronger relationships with their most loyal customers.
How the Loyalty Partnership Works
Let’s break down how the new loyalty partnership between Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines works in practice:
1. Enrollment
– Travelers must be enrolled in either Etihad Guest or Lotusmiles. Enrollment is usually free and can be done online through the airlines’ official websites.
2. Booking Flights
– Members can book flights with either Etihad Airways or Vietnam Airlines as they normally would, through the airline’s website, app, or travel agents.
3. Earning Miles
– When booking or checking in, members provide their loyalty program number.
– Miles are earned on eligible flights operated by either airline, based on the fare class and distance flown.
4. Redeeming Miles
– Accumulated miles can be used to book award flights on both airlines.
– Lotusmiles members can also use miles for hotel stays and shopping on LotusMall.
– Both programs offer options for flight upgrades and other rewards.
5. Elite Perks
– Elite members (those with higher status in either program) can access partner airline lounges.
– Some elite members may qualify for cross-program upgrades, making travel even more comfortable.
Expanded Network and Travel Options
One of the biggest benefits of this partnership is the expanded network. Here’s what this means for members of each program:
For Etihad Guest Members:
– Access to Vietnam Airlines’ network, including domestic Vietnam, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific.
– More options for connecting flights and destinations in Asia.
For Lotusmiles Members:
– Ability to use miles for Etihad Airways flights to the Middle East, Europe, North America, and beyond.
– Greater flexibility for long-haul travel and international connections.
This expanded network is especially valuable for business travelers, students, and families who travel between these regions. It also opens up new opportunities for tourism and cultural exchange.
Direct Flights: Abu Dhabi to Hanoi
Starting November 2, 2025, Etihad Airways will launch direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Hanoi. This new route is part of Etihad’s 2025 expansion, which includes 16 new destinations. The direct flight will make it easier for travelers to move between the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 and Vietnam 🇻🇳, whether for business, tourism, or family visits.
This new route is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic ties between the two countries. It also gives travelers more options and convenience, reducing travel time and making it easier to connect to other destinations.
Official Statements from Airline Leaders
Both airlines have expressed strong support for the partnership and its benefits for travelers.
Mark Potter, Managing Director, Etihad Guest:
“We are pleased to offer our members even more ways to earn and redeem their Etihad Guest miles, rewarding guests for every extraordinary travel experience. This partnership gives our members access to Vietnam Airlines’ impressive global network, offering more destinations across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and domestic Vietnam.”
Nguyen Sy Thanh, Director, Lotusmiles (Vietnam Airlines):
“This collaboration will offer Lotusmiles members greater opportunities to earn and redeem miles across an extensive global network, including destinations in North America and the Middle East. It also ensures a seamless and rewarding travel experience, delivered with world-class service from both airlines.”
These statements highlight the airlines’ commitment to providing high-quality service and rewarding loyal customers.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the New Loyalty Partnership
To help travelers make the most of the new partnership, here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Sign Up: If you’re not already a member, join either Etihad Guest or Lotusmiles online.
- Book Your Flight: Choose your destination and book with either Etihad Airways or Vietnam Airlines.
- Enter Your Loyalty Number: Make sure to enter your loyalty program number when booking or at check-in.
- Earn Miles: Fly with either airline and watch your miles add up.
- Redeem Rewards: Use your miles for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, or shopping (for Lotusmiles members).
- Enjoy Elite Benefits: If you have elite status, take advantage of lounge access and possible upgrades.
Broader Cooperation and Future Plans
The loyalty partnership is just the beginning. The MoU signed in October 2024 sets the stage for even deeper cooperation between Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines. This includes:
- Cargo Services: Working together to move goods more efficiently between the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
- Ground Services: Sharing resources and expertise at airports.
- Maintenance and Technology: Collaborating on aircraft maintenance and sharing new technology.
Both airlines have said they plan to announce more joint initiatives in the future, as the partnership grows and matures.
Industry and Expert Analysis
Aviation experts see this partnership as a smart move for both airlines. By working together, Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines can:
- Capture growing travel demand between the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
- Leverage each other’s strengths and networks to offer more value to customers.
- Stay competitive in a market where travelers expect more choices and better rewards.
Frequent flyer experts also point out that the ability to earn and redeem miles across both airlines, combined with new route launches, makes these loyalty programs much more attractive for business and leisure travelers alike.
What This Means for Stakeholders
For Travelers:
– More Choices: Access to a wider range of destinations and flight options.
– Better Rewards: More ways to earn and use miles, including for non-flight rewards.
– Improved Experience: Seamless travel, elite perks, and high service standards.
For Airlines:
– Stronger Market Position: Ability to attract and retain more loyal customers.
– Increased Revenue: Filling more seats and expanding into new markets.
– Enhanced Cooperation: Opportunities to share resources and expertise.
For Businesses and Tourism:
– Easier Travel: Direct flights and better connections support trade and tourism.
– Economic Growth: Stronger ties between Vietnam 🇻🇳 and the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 can boost investment and job creation.
Background: How the Partnership Came Together
The partnership began with a Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2024. Both airlines saw the value in working together to expand their global reach and offer more to their frequent flyers. The loyalty partnership is the first visible result of this agreement, but both airlines have made it clear that more cooperation is on the way.
This move fits into a larger trend in the airline industry, where carriers are forming alliances and partnerships to stay competitive and meet the changing needs of travelers. By pooling their resources and networks, airlines can offer better value and service, while also reducing costs and risks.
Customer Service and Official Resources
Travelers who want to learn more or need help can contact the airlines directly:
- Etihad Airways:
- Official website: www.etihad.com
- Etihad Guest program: www.etihadguest.com
- Customer Service: +971 600 555 666
- Vietnam Airlines:
- Official website: www.vietnamairlines.com
- Lotusmiles program: www.lotusmiles.com
- Customer Service: +84 24 3832 0320
For more information about international travel and airline partnerships, readers can visit the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for official guidance and updates.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
The Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines loyalty partnership is expected to grow in the coming years. Both airlines have signaled plans to deepen their cooperation, with possible new routes, expanded cargo services, and more joint initiatives. Travelers can look forward to ongoing improvements in service, rewards, and travel options.
As the partnership matures, both airlines will likely introduce new features and benefits for loyalty program members. This could include more ways to earn and use miles, special promotions, and enhanced elite perks.
Final Thoughts and Practical Takeaways
For anyone who travels between the Middle East and Southeast Asia—or who is a member of either Etihad Guest or Lotusmiles—this partnership brings real benefits:
- Sign up for the loyalty program if you haven’t already. It’s free and easy to join.
- Book flights with either airline to start earning and using miles right away.
- Take advantage of new routes like the direct Abu Dhabi–Hanoi flight for faster, more convenient travel.
- Watch for future announcements as the partnership expands and new benefits are introduced.
This partnership shows how airlines can work together to make travel better for everyone. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a business traveler, or planning a family trip, the new loyalty partnership between Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines offers more choices, better rewards, and a smoother travel experience.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these kinds of airline partnerships are shaping the future of global travel, giving passengers more value and flexibility than ever before. With the launch of this loyalty partnership and new direct flights, Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines are setting a strong example for the industry and opening up new possibilities for travelers around the world.
Learn Today
Loyalty Program → A rewards system where frequent flyers earn miles redeemable for flights, upgrades, and other benefits.
Etihad Guest → Etihad Airways’ frequent flyer program allowing members to earn and redeem miles on flights and partners.
Lotusmiles → Vietnam Airlines’ loyalty program enabling members to accumulate and use miles for flights and other rewards.
MoU → Memorandum of Understanding, an agreement outlining cooperation terms between two organizations.
Elite Perks → Special benefits for high-tier loyalty members, such as lounge access and priority upgrades.
This Article in a Nutshell
The new Etihad and Vietnam Airlines loyalty partnership begins July 2025, enabling miles earning and redemption across both programs, expanding travel options, and launching Abu Dhabi-Hanoi direct flights in November, enhancing connectivity between the Middle East and Southeast Asia with 16 new destinations in Etihad’s 2025 expansion plan.
— By VisaVerge.com
