ETIHAD Airways announced a partnership with Avis EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) which will enable members of its loyalty programme, Etihad Guest,  to earn Etihad Guest Miles when they rent cars from Avis. Etihad Guest members will also enjoy discounts at any of the international car hire company’s more than 5,100 outlets.

To mark the partnership, until March 14, 2012, Etihad Guest Members will have the opportunity to earn triple Guest Miles on rentals and automatically enter a draw to win 50,000 Guest Miles.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “This partnership with Avis EMEA gives Etihad Guest programme members the opportunity to extend their benefits from the air onto the ground when they plan their travel.”

Christophe Duboscq, Avis EMEA regional director for the Mediterranean, Middle-East and Ireland, said:  “Partnering with Etihad Airways will enable us to deliver a more responsive and cost-effective service, combining efficiency in a way that is specifically tailored to meet each customer’s individual needs.”