Considering taking an overseas trip next year? Make sure you read this before booking your flights.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has taken out the title of Airline of the Year for 2016. With entries from over 100 airlines from around the world, Air Transport World (ATW) awarded Etihad Airways first place for its unique growth strategy.
Its clear vision, commercial focus, the rapid growth of its highly motivated workforce, successful organic growth and unique partnership strategy were all factors in Etihad winning the top honour, as well as its innovative products and services, including The Residence by Etihad.
Now in its 41st year, ATW’s Airline Industry Achievement Awards were created to recognise excellence across a broad range of airline operations and are widely considered the most coveted in the aviation industry.
ATW Editor-in-Chief Karen Walker said she was “absolutely delighted to recognise Etihad Airways as ATW’s Airline of the Year 2016”, adding “In a fiercely competitive market where much ends up looking the same, James Hogan and his team prove that you can set your airline apart through innovative thinking, creative customer products and a fierce adherence to delivering against a clear vision.”
James Hogan, CEO and President of Etihad Airways said of the award, “There have been attacks on our business model but we have chosen to let our service, our routes and our competitive offer do the talking. Etihad Airways is not about being the biggest – it is about being the best. It has been a long road to success but we have shown it is possible to change the aviation landscape.”
Having travelled with Etihad as recently as two weeks ago when I flew back to London from Melbourne, I would agree it is up there as the best airline in the world. However, on all four of my flights in the past month, sadly a few members of staff have let its otherwise first rate service down.
Have you flown with Etihad? What do you think of it? Is it deserving of this title of Airline of the Year for 2016?
