Etihad voted best airline in World Travel Awards
November 9th, 2009 by H&R | Categories: beverages, food, technology, tourism
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has taken the top award at this year’s World Travel Awards (WTA), being voted World’s Leading Airline by more than 180 000 travel industry professionals from over 175 countries.
The World Travel Awards recognise the best airline, hospitality and tourism brands in the world based on customer relations, creativity, quality of service, product innovation and business acumen.
Etihad, the first Middle Eastern airline to win this award, was recognised for the excellence of its onboard product, luxurious airport lounges and strong service ethic during a period of phenomenal growth. The airline also picked up the award for Leading First Class for the second year in a row.
Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan says, “Three years ago, Etihad set itself one clear and simple goal – to be the best airline in the world. I am proud of the way Etihad people all over the world have embraced that vision, supporting our investment in state-of-the-art products by delivering superb customer service.”
“Etihad is honoured to be recognised as the World’s Leading Airline by travel agents and other industry professionals – the people who really know what travellers are looking for in an airline.”
“Winning the Leading First Class category two years in a row tells us that our commitment to continuous investment in our product and service is the right strategy for us and for our customers.”
“Only two months ago we reinforced this commitment with the launch of our new first class private suite, which is currently available on our London services and being rolled out to Australia, Europe, the USA and the rest of our three-class fleet next year.”
Other new developments to be launched by the end of this year include advanced business and economy class seats plus the latest in in-flight entertainment systems. A new service style in economy class is being rolled out progressively on all Etihad routes, which will deliver greater personal attention and luxury to enhance the economy travel experience.
Etihad’s new economy class service offers greater choice and flexibility for individual travellers and includes: extra support for families at the airport and during boarding; entertainment packs and IFE assistance for children; new menus, including hot desserts; and a hot and cold caf service offering a range of beverages from cappuccino to green tea, as well as a juice bar.
The airline continues on its path of opening up new routes, acquiring new aircraft, investing in new products in the air and on the ground, and reaching its goal of profitability by 2011. It has won more than a dozen major global awards this year for the quality of its services and products.
