Leading Aviation Title
Honours UAE National Carrier For Strong Leadership In
Developing
Unique Growth Strategy And Setting Global Industry Benchmarks
Etihad Airways, the
Abu Dhabi-based national airline of the United Arab Emirates, was this evening (Feb
15) presented with the coveted Airline of the Year 2016 award by the
prestigious US-based aviation industry publication Air Transport World (ATW).
The accolade
acknowledged Etihad Airways’ strong executive leadership team in developing a
profitable strategy of organic growth and unique equity partnerships;
introducing ground-breaking products and services; creating the foundations for
building a motivated workforce; and engaging in a diplomatic, dignified defence
of its business model in the wake of fierce opposition by US carriers.
Etihad Airways was
chosen for the top honour by ATW’s distinguished editorial board in a highly contested
competition, with entries from more than 100 airlines around the world.
The award was
presented at a Gala Dinner attended by industry peers at the 42nd edition of the annual
ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards on the eve of the Singapore Air Show.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief
Executive Officer, said: “This award recognises what we set out to do as an
airline 13 years ago – to be safe, profitable and simply the best.
“It is a reflection of our strengths – a robust
business model and innovative products and superior service delivered by our
27,000 dedicated employees. I am delighted to accept this award on their
behalf. As an airline, we have offered a unique proposition to the travelling
public and expanded our business to help shape the changing global aviation
landscape.”
To earn the top accolade, ATW said an airline must
demonstrate exceptional achievements and capabilities across its operations,
financial performance, customer service, safety and employee relations. The
executive leadership team must also clearly show innovation and strategic
thinking that sets the company apart.
Karen Walker, Air Transport World Editor-in-Chief,
said: “Etihad Airways is clearly an airline apart from the pack and one
that sets its own course. It
is a pleasure to celebrate the achievements of the Etihad Airways team at the
2016 ATW Airline Achievement Awards in Singapore. Etihad is highly deserving of
our top award, Airline of the Year. James Hogan puts it best - it's not about
being the biggest, it's about being the best."
· On products and
customer service, Etihad Airways was described by ATW as being bold and
innovative, highlighting the introduction of unique Airbus A380 and Boeing 787
cabin interiors as setting industry benchmarks. These include The Residence –
the world’s first three-room on board apartment comprising a bedroom, lounge
and ensuite shower.
· On airline tie-ups,
ATW noted Etihad Airways’ equity stakes in selected airlines around the world
as being the foundation of its business model. Equity stakes in airberlin,
Swiss-based Darwin Airline, Air Serbia, Alitalia, Jet Airways, Air Seychelles
and Virgin Australia helped Etihad Airways create a unique proposition of more
passenger choice, greater scale for negotiation with key suppliers, enhanced
shared training resources for crew and other employees, and heightened network
integration.
· On US carriers’ accusing Gulf carriers of
anti-competitive practices, ATW said James Hogan and his team maintained
dignity by consistently defending Etihad Airways’ business model focusing on
the facts rather than personal attacks. ATW editors showered particular praise
on Etihad Airways on this issue in which James Hogan said: “Many stones were
thrown at us, but we responded calmly and with facts, showing that we bring new
competition to markets.”
· On employees, ATW
defined Etihad Airways as a ‘good citizen’ describing its workforce as ‘our
family’ and for embarking on aggressive plans to grow its local workforce and
offer UAE nationals, now numbering 3,000 within the group, with career paths
through various programmes and initiatives. Staff are supported with a 24/7 HR
number, a dedicated welfare team, onsite medical centre, gyms to promote
wellness and healthy living, top of the range staff accommodation and an onsite
nursery.
· On sustainability, ATW
commended Etihad Airways for a number of initiatives focused on fuel-saving,
pioneering alternative fuel research with key partners, and engaging employees
in recycling programmes.
During 2015, Etihad Airways launched six new routes on
three continents taking its global network of destinations to 116 with a fleet
of 121 aircraft. More than 17 million guests flew on Etihad Airways last year,
up from almost 15 million in 2014. Etihad Airways also launched its new Boeing
787 Dreamliner – the first of 71 on order – and phased in the first of 10
Airbus A380 aircraft into its fleet.
Etihad Airways was recognised by ATW’s
editorial board for “fast but thoughtful growth, consistently delivering
against its targets and always thinking ahead.” The airline was also applauded
for its “excellent numbers on financials, cargo and safety.”
Air Transport World is
an authoritative monthly magazine serving the needs of the global airline and
commercial air transport manufacturing communities. Its renowned editors have
been nominated for nearly every major aviation journalism award available
thanks to their balanced coverage of the airline industry and incisive reports
on trends.
ATW’s Airline Industry
Achievement Awards were created in 1974 to recognise 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.
Pic: Etihad Airways management are pictured
after being presented with the coveted Airline of the Year 2016 award by Air
Transport World (ATW) in Singapore this evening. Flanked by the airline’s cabin
crew are, from left, Hareb Al Muhairy, Senior Vice President
Corporate and International Affairs; Karen Walker, ATW Editor-in-Chief; James
Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer; and James Rigney, Chief Financial
Officer.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways began
operations in 2003, and in 2015 carried 17.4 million passengers.
From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways flies to, or has announced plans to
serve, 116 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe,
Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of around 120 Airbus and Boeing
aircraft, with approximately 200 aircraft on firm order, including 66 Boeing
787s, 25 Boeing 777Xs, 62
Airbus A350s and five Airbus A380s.
Etihad Airways holds equity investments in airberlin, Air
Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Jet Airways, Virgin Australia, and
Swiss-based Darwin Airline, trading as Etihad Regional. Etihad Airways, along
with airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Etihad Regional, Jet
Airways and NIKI, also participate in Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand that
brings together like-minded airlines to offer customers more choice through
improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.
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