Etihad Airways has added a Gold Elite tier to the Etihad Guest loyalty program.

Ethiad Airways last year scooped the title of World’s Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards.

Etihad Guest Gold Elite membership will be awarded to passengers who in one year take more than 60 flights or collect more than 125,000 Tier Miles.

Etihad Guest Gold Elite members will be able to enjoy increased benefits such as an excess baggage allowance of 20kgs, access to Diamond First class lounges, seat guarantees at 12 hours’ notice and a personalised shopping experience at the online Etihad Guest Reward Shop.

Etihad Guest Gold Elite members will also be able to nominate a third party - for example a secretary or family member - to manage bookings and account information on their behalf. Additionally, they will be able to nominate one person a year to receive free Etihad Guest Silver membership.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways chief commercial officer, said, “The Etihad Guest Gold Elite tier is a way of giving something extra back to people who use the airline the most. The intention is to make them feel specially rewarded for their high level of loyalty.

“We have spent considerable time listening to our most frequent passengers, and have worked hard to tailor Gold Elite membership benefits and privileges to their needs. We believe the offering to Gold Elite members is unsurpassed within the industry.”

Previously, the Etihad Guest Gold tier was the airline’s top level in the loyalty program. To qualify, guests have to take more than 40 flights in one year, or travel more than 50,000 miles.