Etihad Airways and its award winning global loyalty programme, Etihad Guest, have strengthened their existing partnership with Manchester City Football Club, MCFC, by offering an enhanced rewards programme for fans of the Premier League club.

The upgraded ‘Etihad Guest Sky Blue' rewards programme will offer MCFC fans and Etihad Guest members around the world special discounts on flights, tickets for football matches, merchandise and exclusive opportunities to access the club.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' Chief Commercial Officer, said, "Through the new initiative, we are strengthening our partnership with the football club and expanding the Etihad Guest offer to fans around the world. The make-up of MCFC's fan base is already international and through a scheme like Sky Blue, fans around the world can have access to joint benefits including discounted flights, match tickets and money-can't-buy fan experiences all in one place."

Effective immediately, fans can sign up to the Etihad Guest Sky Blue programme by enrolling into Etihad Guest. Existing Etihad Guest members are also eligible to join the Sky Blue programme and take advantage of the benefits offered.

Sky Blue members will qualify for a 10 percent discount on Etihad Airways flights, 10 percent discount on Etihad Holidays for UK and UAE members, eligibility to win free tickets to matches and have access to special rewards and discounts on club merchandise. They can also take part in tours of the Etihad Stadium to get a flavour of what it is like to be a Premier League star from behind the scenes.

Diego Gigliani, Director of Media and Fan Relationship Management for City Football Marketing, which manages MCFCs' commercial partnerships, said, "Through the new and improved Sky Blue programme, Etihad Guest will bring even more benefits to loyal MCFC fans around the globe. It's yet another example of the strength of our relationship with Etihad Airways and its commitment to providing fantastic experiences for our fans."

The UAE is already home to many MCFC supporters, who will be able to cheer on their team with fellow fans as they watch games screened live at dedicated Fan Zones in Abu Dhabi. Members of the programme will also have access to special rates for City Football Schools, for those younger footballers who are training to be the next Sergio Aguero, Joe Hart or David Silva.

Etihad Airways has been MCFC's main club partner since May 2009, with the club enjoying considerable success during that time, picking up four trophies including two as the Barclays Premier League Champions. The Etihad Stadium is the centre piece of the Etihad Campus, which encompasses a large part of the Sport City site in East Manchester.
Source: WAM