UAE's Etihad named world best airline at 'aviation Oscars'

Etihad Airways has collected the World’s Leading Airline award at the 23rd annual World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2016.

This marks the eighth consecutive year that the airline has received the prestigious accolade, the airline said in a statement.

Friday night’s beachside event was held before an audience of the industry’s leading lights at the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Beach Resort in the Maldives.

Etihad Airways also received the award for World’s Leading First Class, the statement said, adding that the World Travel Awards are considered the Oscars of the travel industry.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ CEO, said: “Our commitment to rewriting the rulebook and transforming air travel is being recognised and rewarded year after year. We are proud to once again be receiving these two prestigious awards for what we believe to be the world’s finest airline experience.

“The World Travel Awards is an ideal platform from which we can showcase the success of Etihad Airways and also the transformation of our home, Abu Dhabi, into a global hub of commerce, culture and style.”

World Travel Awards president Graham Cooke added: “Once again it is Etihad Airways that leads the way in global aviation.

“World Travel Awards voters, from both within the travel industry and among the public at large, have recognised the UAE flag-carrier as the best in the business for the eighth consecutive time. It is a richly deserved honour.”