The New Nation - Internet Edition

Members of Etihad Airways' loyalty programme, Etihad Guest, have donated more than half a million 'miles' to humanitarian and environmental charities and projects across the world through the scheme's innovative reward shop.

Four humanitarian charities and one environmental organisation have become partners of the programme since its 2006 launch to provide members with the opportunity to donate their miles to more than 10 projects worldwide.

The projects vary from helping AIDS orphans in Thailand, to children needing open heart surgery in Sri Lanka, as well as matters closer to home such as the Special Care Centre in Abu Dhabi which aims to provide support and learning for physically and mentally challenged children.

Among the different environmental projects the most popular is the C02 emissions project from "Climate Care" which allows Etihad Guest members to use their miles to offset the production of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' executive vice president marketing and product, said:

"Charity donations, whether humanitarian or environmental, have become incredibly popular with members of the Etihad Guest programme as it provides an ideal opportunity for them to contribute to those less fortunate or to environmental projects across the world.