Etihad Airways Crowned World’s Leading Airline For 5th Consecutive Year

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), enjoyed stunning success at this year’s World Travel Awards, taking top honors for the fifth year in a row.

At a recent ceremony in Doha, Qatar, Etihad Airways took home the prestigious titles of World’s Leading Airline, World’s Leading First Class, and World’s Leading Airline Cabin Crew.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognise the very best travel organizations in the world through a global vote by travel professionals from 171 countries.  The Wall Street Journal calls them the “Oscars of the Travel Industry.”

According to Etihad, the success at the 2013 World Travel Awards caps what has been a remarkable twelve months for the UAE flag carrier.

Fiona Morrisson, Vice President Guest Experience; Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer; Aubrey Tiedt, Vice President Guest Services; and Ahmed Al Sawalhi, Graduate Manager; celebrate Etihad Airways’ success at the World Travel Awards.

In 2013 the airline refined its on-board First Class Chefs concept in Diamond First Class, continued the roll-out of Wi-Fi Internet, mobile telephone connectivity and live television across the fleet, opened luxurious First and Business Class lounges in Paris and Washington, and started a Flying Nanny service to assist families travelling with young children.

Etihad’s success in Doha follows recognition at the World Travel Awards Middle East, held in May in Dubai, when the airline won for Middle East’s Leading Airline, Middle East’s Leading Airline First Class, Middle East’s Leading Cabin Crew.

Other award highlights over the past 12 months include the Executive Leadership Award at the 2013 Airline Strategy Awards and the Excellence Entity in Leadership Award at the 2013 Abu Dhabi Award for Excellence in Government Performance (ADEAP).