|
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has created history by becoming the first airline in the world to win five World Travel Awards in a single ceremony.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline scooped leading airline, leading first class, leading airline lounge, leading airline website and leading international marketing campaign at the 2009 World Travel Awards Middle East ceremony, which took place at the Monarch hotel in Dubai.
Votes for the World Travel Awards were cast by nearly 170,000 travel industry professionals around the world, including more than 110,000 travel agents.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “To be awarded the title of Middle East’s leading airline for the second year in a row is an outstanding achievement for Etihad. And, to be voted the best in no less than five categories is unprecedented and testament to the quality and consistency of our product and services.”
Etihad has now won 17 World Travel Awards since it took to the skies in November 2003.
Graham Cooke, chairman and founder of the World Travel Awards, said: "Congratulations to Etihad Airways on this outstanding achievement. In claiming the title of Middle East’s leading airline, Etihad Airways has clearly demonstrated its commitment to excellence across all aspects of its business.
“Maintaining impeccably high customer service standards, whilst keeping track with such an ambitious expansion plan is testament to the tireless work of the airline’s workforce."
The award for leading first class coincides with the unveiling of Etihad’s new first class cabin at Arabian Travel Market. The airline is investing USD 70 million (Dh 257 million) in a major revamp of its first class cabin, including longer and wider beds, housed in their own private suites, and a large new changing room.
The leading airline lounge award reflects the substantial investment Etihad has put into new premium lounges at its Abu Dhabi home base. The airline’s lounges for first and business class customers opened in Terminal 3 in February and include all-day fine dining, dedicated meeting facilities, a ‘wi-fi’ area, Six Senses Spa and a family room for children amongst other services.
A major feature of Etihad’s improved website is a new online booking tool that shows variations in prices for outbound and inbound travel on different days. This new flexible pricing tool, based around a simple calendar system, gives customers greater control of when they choose to fly and how much they choose to pay. The online reward shop – part of the Etihad Guest loyalty programme – continues to be considered the most innovative in the industry.
The international marketing accolade was awarded for the airline’s ‘From Abu Dhabi to the World’ campaign – which ran in the UAE, Middle East, Europe, North America and Asia and is part of Etihad’s long term plans to build awareness and understanding of its brand across key markets. The adverts illustrated the wealth of culture and hospitality offered by the airline and reflected Etihad’s strong links and close affinity with Abu Dhabi, particularly the theme of great and warm hospitality.
|
New
Review
Abu Dhabi International Airport - 41°F
