Ethiopian Airlines recognized members of Sheba Miles, its frequent-flyer program, as it marks the 20th anniversary of the program.

Ethiopian celebrated the 20th anniversary of its loyalty program, Sheba Miles, and Customers’ Day on Tuesday November 12, 2019 at Ethiopian Skylight Hotel. The grand anniversary event brought together high-ranking government officials including minsters, ambassadors and the diplomatic community, Sheba Miles members management and board members of the airline and aviation stakeholders.

On the occasion, Ethiopian Airlines awarded its Sheba Miles platinum members and cargo customers for their continuous support and patronage to the airline.

Tewodros Ashenafi, founder and CEO of South West Holdings, Zemedeneh Nigatu, chairman of Fairfax Africa Fund, and Tibebe Yemanebirhan (MD), a renowned dermatologist, are among the Sheba Miles platinum members who received a plaque from Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam. Nine cargo customers also won the award for using Ethiopian Cargo frequently. Sher Ethiopia, Alfarag PLC, Ethio Vegfru PLC and Organic Export Abattoir were among the import export companies that were recognized for their patronage.

“We are excited to offer our members with more ways to earn miles over the years,” Tewolde said.  “Throughout these years, our customers have immensely contributed to the development of the loyalty program. Our frequent-flyer program has teamed up with several airlines and non-airline partners to create a world of choices for members to accumulate miles.”

Tewolde said Ethiopian will continuously strive to offer enormous privileges for its customers underpinned by digital solutions. “We sincerely thank our loyal members and partners for their continued support throughout the years and for inspiring us to constantly enrich their travel and overall travel experiences.”

Tewodros Ashehafi a prominent investor who was recognised amongst top platinum members told The Reporter that his father Ashenafi Tessema was one of the first Ethiopian marketing professionals in the early days of the airline. “I am proud to support Ethiopian Airlines from the early days of my father Ashenafi Tessema involvement in building up the airline and later as one of Ethiopian top customers. I am privileged to continue in his tradition,” Tewodros said. “I am honoured to receive the award. Ethiopian is going from strength to strength,” he said.

Zemedeneh Nigatu, a renowned consultant turned investor, said that the success of Sheba Miles frequent-flyer program that started with 300 members 20 years ago and now has 3.2 million members, reaffirms the world class quality of the airline and strong loyalty of its customers. “As a platinum Sheba Miles member, I fly very frequently to ET’s 123 worldwide destinations and can attest to the excellent end to end service the airline provides,” Zemedeneh said.

Originally named after the Queen of Sheba of Ethiopia, who gave generous reward to King Solomon, according to the Ethiopian mythology, Sheba Miles was launched in February 1999 and the loyalty program has now more than three million members.