Airline Post

Etihad Airways, United Arab Emirates’ national airlines, has taken the title this year at the World Travel Awards (WTA), receiving over 180,000 votes from travel industry professionals from 175 countries. The WTA is an annual event where professionals from the industry recognise the best hotels, airlines and tourism brands in the world, taking into account innovation, customer service and creativity.

Here are the winners in the airline industry:

• World’s Leading Airline - Etihad Airways
• World’s Leading Airline Alliance - Oneworld
• World’s Leading Airline Business Class - Qatar Airways
• World’s Leading Airline First Class – Etihad Airways
• World’s Leading Airline To South America – TAP Portugal
• World’s Leading Airport – Dubai International Airport
• World’s Leading Airport Hotel – Pan Pacific, Kuala Lumpur Airport, Malaysia

Representatives of Etihad also picked up the award for Leading First Class. James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive, said:

“Three years ago, Etihad set itself one clear and simple goal – to be the best airline in the world. I am proud of the way Etihad people all over the world have embraced that vision, supporting our investment in state-of-the-art products by delivering superb customer service. [...] Only two months ago we reinforced this commitment with the launch of our new first class private suite, which is currently available on our London services and being rolled out to Australia, Europe, the USA and the rest of our three-class fleet next year. Our intention with this new suite was to raise the bar in premium air travel and based on the incredible feedback we are already receiving, we have achieved that”

The new Economy Class on Etihad will include enhanced support for families at the airport or during checkin, new menus with hot deserts, entertainment packs and beverage services. Etihad is on a winning streak this year, receiving over a dozen global awards for their services, including in-flight entertainment system, their loyalty programme or their on-board catering.

In Europe, Lufthansa was voted Europe’s Leading Airline, Zurich Airport – the continent’s leading airport, while easyJet was named Europe’s Leading Budget / No Frills Airline.

American Airlines is North America’s leading airline, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Texas, USA – leading airport. Malaysia Airlines received the title for Asia’s leading airline and Singapore Changi Airport for Asia’s leading airport. To see a complete list of winners for all continents, visit WTA’s official website.

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