Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has won the ‘Business Class of the Year’ award for the second consecutive year at the Best Travel Media Awards held in Beijing.

The coveted accolade is made to an airline serving the Chinese market for its business class guest experience – judged on the superior quality of the airline’s inflight service, food and beverage and seating.

Etihad Airways’ president and chief executive officer, James Hogan, said: “We are pleased and proud to win Best Travel’s Business Class of the Year award for a second year as it recognises our commitment to a business class product and guest experience which is not only best-in-class but also – on our flights to China – caters to the particular needs of Chinese travellers.

“With so many national and international airlines serving the Chinese market today, travellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to travel provider so we are delighted to receive such an accolade in a competitive and, for Etihad Airways, an important market.”

This year’s win for Pearl Business Class is Etihad Airways’ fourth accolade at China’s Best Travel Media Awards. Previous wins include Fastest Growing Airline of the Year in 2009; the Best Airline for Promoting New Routes in 2011; and Best Business Class of the Year in 2012.

The annual awards are presented by Best Travel – one of China’s top travel trade publications – and judged by a panel of industry experts. – TradeArabia News Service