Etihad Airways has been awarded the 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 took home two additional awards for ‘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 recognised widely as a hallmark of 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 Anguilla in the Caribbean.
“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.”
James Hogan, Etihad Airways chief executive
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.
“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.”
Graham E. Cooke, World Travel Awards president
