Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has scooped two major awards at the 17th annual Irish Travel Trade News Awards.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline, which celebrates in July its second anniversary of flights to Ireland, picked up the “best business class airline” award for the second year running and was also presented with the award for the “best airline to the Middle East and Africa”.

Etihad was also voted runner-up in the “best airline to Asia and Australasia” category at a glittering awards ceremony held in The Burlington Hotel, Dublin.

Etihad currently operates daily flights between the Irish capital Dublin and Abu Dhabi, with onward flights to Sydney and Brisbane among its most popular connections from Ireland. Air travellers flying to Australia will receive a boost on 29 March when Etihad launches a new daily service to Melbourne.

Beatrice Cosgrove, Etihad Airways’ Ireland country manager, said: “Etihad Airways enjoyed a very successful 2008 in Ireland, achieving an average seat factor of 80 per cent, and so to be recognised by the travel agents of Ireland and Northern Ireland is a great privilege.

“We are committed to our relationship with the Irish travel trade and providing a premier service to our Irish customers.”

Earlier in January, Etihad announced a new code share agreement with Aer Arann, making travel with Etihad Airways more accessible for passengers travelling from across Ireland, particularly Cork and Galway.

In November 2008, Etihad Airways also won the “European sponsorship of the year” award in the business to consumer category for its sponsorship of the GAA Hurling All Ireland Senior Championship.

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