Etihad, Alibaba, ANT Sign MoU to Enhance Logistics

• Etihad, Alibaba, ANT Sign MoU to Enhance Logistics

Etihad Aviation Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Alibaba Group Holding Limited and Ant Financial Services Group to deliver superior products and services to customers.

According to the airline, the firms plan to expand cooperation through greater collaboration on respective loyalty programmes, and introduce new products and services to deliver an improved guest experience and logistics.

The airline said, “Under the agreement, Alibaba and Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, will explore enhanced programme benefits and opportunities for cross-acquisition of loyalty points. This will include points’ conversion to Etihad Guest Miles, reciprocal benefits across premium tiers, and the ability to redeem Etihad Guest Miles for Alibaba products.

“In addition, Alibaba Group and Etihad Airways will enter into a brand partnership agreement that will integrate the Alibaba Group of Brands with Etihad Airways’ premium leisure travel experience across its global route network. Alibaba and Etihad Cargo will also cooperate to enhance cross-border air cargo delivery solutions to improve delivery efficiency and performance.

“Alipay, an online and mobile payment platform operated by Ant Financial with 520 million monthly active mobile users, will also work with Etihad Airways to explore payment service options in-flight and on the ground to create a more convenient travel experience for Chinese guests.”

The Etihad Airways’ Executive Vice President, Commercial, Mohammad Al-Bulooki, said Alibaba’s renowned digitalisation and product innovations, designed around Chinese consumer behaviour, had ensured Alibaba’s leading position in the industry.

He added, “There is an impressive and growing number of Chinese outbound travellers exploring new destinations and unique experiences. The volume of goods transportation generated on ecommerce platforms has been amazing.

“We believe cooperation with Alibaba Group will better consolidate our product and service advantages for a convenient and refined travel experience, as well as enhance our brand awareness and jointly optimise our products and services.”

The Chief Marketing Officer of Alibaba Group, Chris Tung, said the airline was delighted to see the partnership between Alibaba and Etihad rapidly taking shape with close cooperation on formulating innovative methods that would further enhance the airline’s awareness and influence in the global marketplace.