Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based national airline of the UAE, has been named Airline of the Year 2016 by the US-based aviation industry publication Air Transport World (ATW).

Etihad Airways was chosen for the top honor by ATW’s editorial board in a highly contested competition, with entries from more than 100 airlines around the world.

The award recognizes Etihad Airways’ organic growth supplemented by a unique partnership strategy, its commercial focus which has delivered net profits in each of the last four years, the rapid growth of its highly motivated work force, its development of innovative products and services including The Residence by Etihad, and the airline’s strong executive leadership.

Air Transport World Editor-in-Chief Karen Walker said: “I am absolutely delighted to recognize Etihad Airways as ATW’s Airline of the Year 2016.”

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ president and CEO, said: “I am pleased to accept this award on behalf of the 27,000 employees of the Etihad Airways group around the world. I applaud their commitment, dedication and hard work in pursuit of our goal to be the world’s best airline.”

ATW’s Airline Industry Achievement Awards were created in 1974 to recognize excellence across a broad range of airline operations and are widely considered as the most coveted in the aviation industry. The magazine is based in the United States with an editorial team that reaches across the world.