Etihad signs deals with APG

Etihad Airways has appointed APG as its commercial representative in the Netherlands. Under the agreement, APG will provide full GSA services including sales and marketing activities, call centre and helpdesk support. Jean-Marc Crescent, regional general manager Europe for Etihad Airways said: “We very much look forward to partnering with such a professional and worldwide organisation as APG in the Netherlands who we are fully confident will be able to build our sales in this important offline market.” Etihad Airways is the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates. Established by Royal decree in July 2003 and based in Abu Dhabi, Etihad commenced operations in November of the same year. The carrier has been recognised as the World’s Leading Airline for the past three years by the World Travel Awards. Also today, Value Retail, the developer and operator of the Chic Outlet Shopping Villages, has confirmed a key new alliance with Etihad Guest, the frequent flyer programme of Etihad Airways. Members of the Etihad Guest Programme will be entitled to receive two miles for every one euro or GBP spent in any of the luxury outlet boutiques throughout the nine Chic Outlet Shopping Villages, making luxury shopping in Europe an even more rewarding experience. “The new partnership with Etihad Airways offers a further opportunity for our customers to enjoy added value when visiting the Collection of nine Chic Outlet Shopping Villages,” commented Ian Stazicker, head of tourism – Value Retail. “Additionally, this alliance serves to further enhance the visibility of the Collection to a global audience and offers Etihad Guest members a new opportunity to earn Miles.” To register their claim, members must present their receipts at the Tourist Information Centre or Welcome Centre in the Village on the day of purchase. Miles accrued through the Etihad Guest Programme can be redeemed for award tickets with Etihad Airways, or other Partner Airlines, upgrades, hotel accommodation, car hire and much more. Etihad Airways chief commercial officer Peter Baumgartner said: “The Chic Outlet Shopping Villages are some of the most exciting shopping destinations in Europe. “We are delighted to welcome them as a new partner to our programme and enable Etihad Guest members to earn miles for purchases made at any of the nine Villages. “We very much look forward to developing our relationship with Chic Outlet Shopping Villages over the coming months and years.”