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Etihad Airways bags Skytrax’s ‘World’s Best First Class’ Award

ABU DHABI - Etihad Airways has won three awards for its First Class at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, according to the results of the latest Skytrax survey on 200 airlines across the world.

The public poll, which included almost 18 million global air travellers from more than 100 countries, named the Abu Dhabi-based airline as having the ‘World’s Best First Class’, ‘Best First Class Airline Seat’ and ‘Best First Class Onboard Catering’. Skytrax awards are among the most prestigious in the aviation industry.

The annual Skytrax survey takes into account all aspects of the air travel experience as well as the quality of customer service delivered by each airline’s staff.

“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,” said Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer.

Etihad redefined luxury air travel in 2009 when it unveiled its new First Class cabin suite. The cabin contains 12 individual suites, accessed by its own sliding door and includes a personal wardrobe and a mini bar. It also has a 23-inch wide-screen TV LCD screen and luxurious soft furnishings and leather upholstered by world-renowned Poltrona Frau, which also provides interiors for Ferrari cars.

The airline’s ‘Inspired Service’ concept on the ground and in the air seeks to provide its First Class customers with service individually tailored to their needs. On the ground, First Class customers flying from the Abu Dhabi airport can take advantage of the concierge and limousine service as well as a dedicated premium check-in zone. Onboard, a food and beverage manager is on hand to assist customers during the long and ultra long haul flights.

“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 is clearly satisfying its hardest critics — the passengers,” Baumgartner said.

Etihad, which began flying less than seven years ago, built upon its success at the 2009 Skytrax awards where it won the Best Business Class and Best Business Class Catering categories. It also won the title of the World’s Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards in November 2009, as well as six Middle East awards in May 2010.

olivia@khaleejtimes.com