Etihad Guest, Etihad Airways’ loyalty program, will expand to become a multi-airline program later this month it has been confirmed.

The new development will see Seychelles Plus, the Air Seychelles frequent flyer program, becoming fully integrated into Etihad Guest’s loyalty platform.

The change will be effective from June 16th 2012, and all Seychelles Plus members will automatically receive a new co-branded membership based on Etihad’s loyalty program.

As part of the integration of Air Seychelles, the existing tier status of Seychelles Plus members will be carried over to new Etihad Guest memberships.

For example, Seychelles Plus Gold members will automatically be enrolled as Etihad Guest Gold members.

For guests with memberships of both programs, the accounts, including mileage balances, will be automatically merged.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer, said, “The integration of Seychelles Plus into Etihad Guest continues the exciting partnership expansion between Etihad Airways and Air Seychelles.

“The new development marks a major milestone for Etihad Guest as it evolves from being a program that supports one airline, to one that supports multiple airlines.”

Etihad Airways has one of the best FFP in the industry.

Some of the features include immediate rewards, no blackout periods, and, very importantly, anytime availability, which means that all seats on the aircraft are available as rewards seats.

This is unlike some airlines that limit the number of redemption seats on an aircraft, which can cause enormous problems if you, as a passenger, ever want to change your date of travel.

Also, as an Etihad Guest member, guests will automatically be able to earn and redeem Etihad Guest Miles with the entire Etihad Guest partner network worldwide, which includes international hotel chains, car hire companies and retailers as well as hundreds of brands and thousands of products for miles redemptions in the program’s Reward Shop.

Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles chief executive, said: “I am thrilled to offer improved benefits, services and flexibility for our valued and loyal guests.

“Our partnership with Etihad Guest will yield tangible benefits for our loyalty program members, opening up accrual and redemption abilities across the globe via their acclaimed program.

“Best of all, our guests not only keep their existing tier status, but also get eight Etihad Guest Miles for every Seychelles Plus point, ensuring that this integration is rewarding from the onset.”

The Seychelles Plus program will cease operation on June 15th 2012.

Retrospective claims for flights on Air Seychelles will be honoured on or before June 30th 2012.

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