Etihad Airways has confirmed a partnership with Avis EMEA enabling members of its loyalty programme - Etihad Guest - to earn Etihad Guest Miles when they rent cars from the industry giant.

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, which runs until March 14th, 2012, Etihad Guest Members will 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: “Avis is a brand name that is recognised around the world as a quality provider of rental cars.

“At Etihad Airways, we are always looking for partnerships that create value and benefits for our loyal customers.

“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.”

Etihad Guest is an award-winning loyalty programme, boasting some 1.3 million members. Members accumulate Etihad Guest Miles which can be redeemed against a wide selection of over 1,800 flight and non-flight rewards from more than 200 partners.

Etihad Airways itself is considered the World’s Leading Airline by the prestigious World Travel Awards.

Christophe Duboscq, Avis EMEA regional director for the Mediterranean, Middle-East and Ireland, said: “Partnering with Etihad Airways is great news for Avis as we continue our work to improve the overall mobility experience of our travellers.

“Linking up with a leading airline 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.”

In turn, Avis is viewed as the World’s Leading Business Car Rental Company by World Travel Awards.