Etihad Airways, will join the airberlin Counter Card Program, effective May 1, 2012. This part of the strategic partnership of the two airlines Etihad Airways and airberlin.

The Counter Card Program is an incentive program for travel agencies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Under the scheme, travel agencies with a defined minimum annual sales volume are offered discounts on the net fare for short, medium and long-haul flights as well as additional benefits. From 1st May 2012, the program will grant travel agencies discounts covering flights with Etihad Airways.

Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: "This announcement is good news for our valued travel trade partners and will further cement our strategic partnership with airberlin."

The two partners are already codesharing a large number of flights. airberlin passengers can book codeshare flights to destinations such as Bangkok, Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur, Malé, the Seychelles and Singapore.

"At the end of the day, we want to reward the support of our travel trade partners and for them to enjoy all the benefits of selling Etihad Airways and airberlin flights, and to experience for themselves our award-winning service first hand, and at attractive prices," added Baumgartner.

Paul Gregorowitsch, airberlin Chief Commercial Officer said: "Etihad Airways joining Counter Cards is unprecedented in our industry – no other airline is part of the program. The Counter Card for travel agencies reinforces our commitment to close cooperation by offering many benefits and privileges to agents who support us and work with us."

Source:  Etihad Airways