Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based national airline of the United Arab Emirates, was presented last night with the coveted Airline of the Year 2016 award by the prestigious US-based aviation industry publication, Air Transport World, ATW.

The accolade acknowledged Etihad Airways’ strong executive leadership team in developing a profitable strategy of organic growth and unique equity partnerships, introducing ground-breaking products and services, creating the foundations for building a motivated workforce, and engaging in a diplomatic, dignified defence of its business model in the wake of fierce opposition by US carriers.

Etihad Airways was chosen for the top honour by ATW’s distinguished editorial board in a highly contested competition, with entries from more than 100 airlines around the world.

The award was presented at a Gala Dinner attended by industry peers at the 42nd edition of the annual ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards on the eve of the Singapore Air Show.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "This award recognises what we set out to do as an airline 13 years ago; to be safe, profitable and simply the best.

"It is a reflection of our strengths, a robust business model and innovative products and superior service delivered by our 27,000 dedicated employees. I am delighted to accept this award on their behalf. As an airline, we have offered a unique proposition to the travelling public and expanded our business to help shape the changing global aviation landscape."

To earn the top accolade, ATW said that an airline must demonstrate exceptional achievements and capabilities across its operations, financial performance, customer service, safety and employee relations. The executive leadership team must also clearly show innovation and strategic thinking that sets the company apart.

Karen Walker, Air Transport World Editor-in-Chief, said, "Etihad Airways is clearly an airline apart from the pack and one that sets its own course. It is a pleasure to celebrate the achievements of the Etihad Airways team at the 2016 ATW Airline Achievement Awards in Singapore. Etihad is highly deserving of our top award, Airline of the Year. James Hogan puts it best, it's not about being the biggest, it's about being the best."

On products and customer service, Etihad Airways was described by ATW as being bold and innovative, highlighting the introduction of unique Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 cabin interiors as setting industry benchmarks. These include The Residence, the world’s first three-room on board apartment comprising a bedroom, lounge and en-suite shower.

On airline tie-ups, ATW noted Etihad Airways’ equity stakes in selected airlines around the world as being the foundation of its business model. Equity stakes in airberlin, Swiss-based Darwin Airline, Air Serbia, Alitalia, Jet Airways, Air Seychelles and Virgin Australia, helped Etihad Airways create a unique proposition of more passenger choice, greater scale for negotiation with key suppliers, enhanced shared training resources for crew and other employees, and heightened network integration.

On US carriers’ accusing Gulf carriers of anti-competitive practices, ATW said that James Hogan and his team maintained dignity by consistently defending Etihad Airways’ business model focusing on the facts rather than personal attacks. ATW editors showered particular praise on Etihad Airways on this issue in which James Hogan said, "Many stones were thrown at us, but we responded calmly and with facts, showing that we bring new competition to markets."

On employees, ATW defined Etihad Airways as a ‘good citizen’, describing its workforce as ‘our family’ and for embarking on aggressive plans to grow its local workforce and offer UAE nationals, now numbering 3,000 within the group, career paths through various programmes and initiatives. Staff are supported with a 24/7 HR number, a dedicated welfare team, onsite medical centre, gyms to promote wellness and healthy living, top of the range staff accommodation and an onsite nursery.

On sustainability, ATW commended Etihad Airways for a number of initiatives focused on fuel-saving, pioneering alternative fuel research with key partners, and engaging employees in recycling programmes.

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