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Etihad wins 3 Skytrax awards for First Class

Abu Dhabi, May 20, 2010

Etihad, the national airline of the UAE, has won three awards for its First Class products at the annual survey of 200 airlines conducted by Skytrax World Airline Awards, the leading aviation research and awards institute.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline won the three titles for World's best First Class, Best First Class airline seat and Best First Class onboard catering following a poll of almost 18 million global air travellers, from more than 100 countries.

“We are exceptionally proud to have won these three awards for our new and innovative First Class product and service which is now recognised as the world’s best by the ultimate judges – air travellers,” Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer.

“In 2008 we introduced a new Business Class product and we won the Skytrax award for Best Business Class so it is hugely satisfying, 12 months later, to introduce our new First Class Suite and to win the awards for Best First Class, Best First Class Seat and Best first Class Onboard Service,” he added.

Edward Plaisted, chairman of Skytrax, said: “This was a fantastic awards ceremony for Etihad Airways, achieving a clean sweep of this premium travel category.”

“On a global basis, out of 200 airlines, Etihad Airways ranked sixth in the world, moving up from seventh in 2009. The World Airline Awards are known as 'The Passenger's Choice', underlining the fact that Etihad Airways are clearly satisfying their hardest critics - the passengers,” Plaisted added.

Etihad unveiled its new First Class cabin suite in 2009. The cabin contains 12 individual suites, which have been designed to provide First Class customers with more privacy, greater comfort and increased storage, a statement said.

Each private suite is accessed by its own sliding door and includes a personal wardrobe and mini bar, as well as 23 inch wide-screen LCD screen. Customers can use the innovative E-Box system to view a wealth of on-demand television shows, movies and games.

The airline has introduced its Inspired Service concept on the ground and in the air, which seeks to provide both its First Class customers with service individually tailored to their needs, according to the statement.

Etihad’s new First Class cabin interior was created by craftsmen from some of the world’s top designers, including luxury leather upholstered by world-renowned Poltrona Frau, which also provides interiors for Ferrari cars.

In the air, Etihad Airways long and ultra long haul flights feature the innovative food and beverage manager position. Many of these managers are from five-star hospitality backgrounds, and are responsible for championing the quality, presentation and delivery of food and beverages on board to ensure consistent high standards, the statement added.

On the ground, First Class customers flying from Etihad’s home base at Abu Dhabi airport can take advantage of a dedicated concierge service, which ensures that their complimentary limousine service is met kerb-side and they are then escorted quickly inside to the airline’s dedicated premium check-in zone.

The airline has also opened dedicated First and Business Class lounges at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at Abu Dhabi airport, where customers can enjoy a range of services including all-day fine dining, boardroom–style meeting facilities, Six Senses Spa treatments and a champagne bar. – TradeArabia News Service




Tags: abu dhabi | Etihad | Skytrax | Catering | Awards | Seat | First Class |

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