Etihad & Vietnam Airlines Soar: New Partnership Opens Doors for African Travel Agents

Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines have joined forces in a groundbreaking frequent flyer partnership, effective July 1st, 2025. This alliance creates exciting new opportunities for African travel agents to curate unique travel experiences for their clientele.

This collaboration allows Etihad Guest and Lotusmiles members to seamlessly earn and redeem miles across both airlines' extensive networks. This reciprocal agreement opens a world of possibilities, connecting travelers to destinations across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and domestic Vietnam.

Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the added value it brings to Etihad’s members. He highlighted the reciprocal benefits, allowing members to explore Vietnam Airlines' impressive global reach. This collaboration complements Etihad’s upcoming launch of flights to Hanoi in November 2025, further strengthening the bridge between the UAE and Vietnam.

Nguyen Sy Thanh, Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles Director, echoed this sentiment, noting the partnership's significance in enhancing customer value. He emphasized the seamless and rewarding travel experience it offers, underpinned by the world-class service of both airlines. This partnership marks a key step in Vietnam Airlines' commitment to delivering memorable travel experiences and showcasing Vietnam's rich cultural heritage to a global audience.

For African travel agents, this partnership unlocks a wealth of opportunities. The combined networks of Etihad and Vietnam Airlines offer a wider range of destinations and travel options, catering to diverse traveler preferences. Agents can leverage this partnership to create bespoke itineraries, incorporating both airlines' strengths and unique offerings.

The Hanoi launch in November 2025, one of 16 new destinations for Etihad this year, further expands the potential for African travel agents. This new route provides a direct link between Vietnam and the UAE, facilitating seamless connections to other destinations within Etihad's network. This enhanced connectivity opens doors for multi-destination trips, combining the cultural richness of Vietnam with the vibrant experiences offered by the UAE and beyond.

The reciprocal mileage earning and redemption aspect of the partnership adds significant value for travelers. Loyalty program members can now accumulate miles on both airlines, regardless of which carrier they fly, maximizing their rewards and unlocking a wider range of redemption options. This benefit enhances the overall travel experience, making it more rewarding and cost-effective for frequent flyers.

African travel agents can capitalize on this partnership by promoting the combined benefits of both airlines to their clients. Highlighting the expanded network, reciprocal mileage program, and the new Hanoi route will attract discerning travelers seeking unique and rewarding travel experiences. By packaging these offerings creatively, agents can differentiate themselves in a competitive market and cater to the evolving demands of today's travelers.

The Etihad-Vietnam Airlines partnership represents a significant development in the aviation industry, particularly for the Asia-Middle East travel corridor. It offers a compelling proposition for both leisure and business travelers, with enhanced connectivity, world-class service, and a rewarding loyalty program. African travel agents are well-positioned to leverage this partnership to create exceptional travel experiences for their clients, tapping into the growing demand for seamless and enriching global travel.