Etihad Airways has become the first airline to accept Jaywan, the UAE’s national domestic card scheme, for flight bookings on its website.
UAE-based customers can use Jaywan cards to book flights across Etihad’s global network, with payments made directly through etihad.com.
The integration is intended to provide a secure checkout experience and support the UAE’s digital payments strategy, the airline said.
Mark Potter, managing director of Etihad Guest at Etihad Airways, said the move reflected the airline’s commitment to greater choice and convenience for customers.
He said the partnership with Al Etihad Payments would eventually offer Etihad Guest members holding Jaywan Royal cards exclusive fare discounts and priority benefits.
Andrea Cianchetti, chief products officer at Al Etihad Payments, said the partnership would give Jaywan cardholders more everyday payment options while providing additional benefits to Royal cardholders.
Jaywan is operated by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE. The scheme launched in July, with banks and licensed financial institutions continuing its nationwide rollout.
The agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding signed by Etihad and Al Etihad Payments in October last year.
Jaywan Royal cardholders will soon receive discounts on Etihad’s Comfort and Deluxe fares, along with priority access benefits.
