08 Dec 2014 06:30
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been awarded the highly coveted title of ‘World’s Leading Airline’ for the sixth straight year at this year’s World Travel Awards (WTA).
In addition
to winning ‘World’s Leading Airline’, Etihad Airways scooped up a further two
awards ‘World’s Leading First Class’ and ‘World’s Leading Cabin Crew’.
World
Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge excellence across the
tourism industry and is widely recognised as a hallmark of ultimate quality.
The awards are decided through a global vote by more than 500,000 travel
professionals and high-end tourism consumers from 171 countries, with the
ceremony held this year on the paradise island of Anguilla in the Caribbean.
James
Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Winning three of the industry’s
highest accolades is a demonstration of our commitment to be best in class in
every market in which we operate.
“Etihad
Airways strives for continuous innovation and improvement in product and
service, because we know that is how we will maintain our industry leadership
and create the best possible travel experience for our guests.”
Etihad
Airways’ success at the 2014 World Travel Awards reflects the achievements of a
remarkable year for the airline.
In
2014 the airline unveiled its new Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner product
and service offering, including The Residence by Etihad™, the world’s first
three-room suite.
This
was followed by the unveiling of the ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi’ aircraft livery
design and the airline rolling out its first Airbus A380 in Hamburg, Germany and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in Seattle, USA. During
2014, Etihad Airways launched
10 new routes
and also signed a transaction implementation agreement to
acquire 49 per cent shareholding in Alitalia.
Graham
E. Cooke, World Travel Awards Founder and President, said: “For over 20 years,
the World Travel Awards has been rewarding brands which push the boundaries of
industry excellence. Etihad Airways has now taken home the World’s Leading
Airline award for six years in a row - a tremendous achievement.
"The airline’s
strategy of organic growth, codeshare partnerships and minority equity stakes
coupled with exceptional customer service, has delivered outstanding results
and rising passenger growth.”
Additional Etihad Airways 2014
highlights:
- Launched
new passenger flights to: Medina, Jaipur, Los Angeles, Zurich, Yerevan, Rome,
Perth, Phuket, San Francisco and Dallas.
- Increased
frequencies to 23 destinations, including Dublin, Athens, Chennai, New York,
Munich, Colombo and Chengdu.
- Opened
new Premium Lounge at Abu Dhabi airport - the airline’s biggest ever.
- Opened
new Arrivals Lounge at Abu Dhabi airport including innovative new offerings,
such as the ‘SHAVE by Etihad Airways’ concept and a clothes steaming service.
- Opened
new First and Business Class Lounge at Kingsford Smith International Airport in
Sydney – the airline’s first in Australia.
- Unveiled
The Residence, First Apartment, First Suite, Business Studio, and Economy Smart
Seat.
- Major
re-design of the onboard guest experience with the introduction of innovative
new inflight products and enhancements to its long-haul and ultra-longhaul
cabins.
- Unveiled
new Etihad Aviation Group structure that includes Etihad Airways, the newly
formed Hala Group, Etihad Airport Services, and Group support functions.
- Signed
a major strategic partnership with Philippine Airlines (PAL).
- Signed
new codeshares with airlines such as SAS, Alitalia, GOL and JetBlue.
- Launched
sleep program and limited edition amenity kits on long-haul flights.
- Became
Official Airline Partner of Major League Soccer in the United States.