JEDDAH, 1 June 2007 — The Middle East’s youngest national airline carried off the highly sought-after “Leading Airline” award at the World Travel Awards for the Middle East and North Africa ceremony in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. For three consecutive years, Etihad was winner of the “World’s leading New Airline,” and revealed its ambition to become the region’s benchmark airline.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “This is fantastic news especially in the face of strong competition from some very good airlines, particularly those based in the Middle East.”
Votes for the WTAs were taken from nearly 170,000 travel industry professionals from around the world, of which 110,000 were travel agents.
Hamza Sharif, Saudi country manager for Etihad, said that the airline had worked hard over the last three years to outstrip the tough competition in the area.
“It is a credit to the whole staff that we have been given this accolade. In the airline business, particularly, teamwork and attention to detail are vital factors in achieving efficiency and the welcoming atmosphere we aim for,” the Saudi country manager said.
He noted that Abu Dhabi was becoming increasingly popular as a hub for the Saudi business and tourist traveler for its access to the city and rapid ground handling.
Etihad now flies between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh three times a week — and recently increased its service to Dammam from three to six flights a week.
The airline is currently negotiating with the Saudi government over additional services to Riyadh. It also flies to Jeddah.
“Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s fastest growing markets for air travel, and Etihad believes that its award-winning service to the Kingdom is on par with the best, and we aim to increase our share of this lucrative market,” Geert Boven, VP Commercial — Etihad Airways, said.
The airline drew particular praise at the WTA ceremony for building a global flight network of 42 destinations in as many months, which the awards’ organizers described as “an unprecedented achievement in the air travel industry.”
Etihad was also presented with the awards for “leading first class airline” and “leading airline website” at the high profile ceremony at Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace Hotel.
The ceremony was presented by American TV stars Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Chris Noth, with many of the awards presented by reigning Miss World, Tatiana Kucharova.
Etihad made history, as a new carrier, by placing an order worth $8 billion for new aircraft within the first two years of its operation as well as purchasing five Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Etihad has also ordered 24 Airbus aircraft and four double-decker A380s.
Based in Abu Dhabi, the airline is the national airline of the UAE.
Since its formation in 2003 it has invested massively in a fleet of aircraft fitted with innovative “mood” lighting and décor and focused on expanding its routes both long and short haul to the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
Maintaining its momentum, the airline is scheduled to open two new routes soon; Abu Dhabi to Dublin direct on July 2 and to Milan direct on September 2.