Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based national airline of the UAE, has been named named Airline of the Year 2016 by the prestigious US-based aviation industry publication Air Transport World (ATW).

Etihad Airways was chosen for the top honour by ATW’s editorial board in a highly contested competition, with entries from more than 100 airlines around the world.

The award recognises Etihad Airways’ clear vision; its successful organic growth supplemented by a unique partnership strategy; its commercial focus which has delivered net profits in each of the last four years; the rapid growth of its highly motivated workforce; its development of innovative products and services, including The Residence by Etihad; and the airline’s strong executive leadership.

Air Transport World editor-in-chief Karen Walker said: “I am absolutely delighted to recognise Etihad Airways as ATW’s Airline of the Year 2016. In a fiercely competitive market where much ends up looking the same, James Hogan and his team prove that you can set your airline apart through innovative thinking, creative customer products and a fierce adherence to delivering against a clear vision. I congratulate Etihad Airways for a most deserving achievement.”

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ president and chief executive officer, said: “I am pleased to accept this award on behalf of the 27,000 employees of the Etihad Airways group around the world. I applaud their commitment, dedication and hard work in pursuit of our goal to be the world’s best airline.”

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.

News of the award was announced during a reception hosted in New York last night by Etihad Airways to mark the arrival of its award-winning Airbus A380 daily service from Abu Dhabi to America’s financial capital.

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”; its unique partnership strategy that was paying dividends; a willingness to be bold in equity tie-ups boosting the number over the past 12 months to include Etihad Regional and Alitalia; and its strategy of developing ground-breaking strategic contracts with suppliers.

“There have been attacks on our business model but we have chosen to let our service, our routes and our competitive offer do the talking,” Hogan added.

“Etihad Airways is not about being the biggest – it is about being the best.  It has been a long road to success but we have shown it is possible to change the aviation landscape. I thank ATW for this award, the most highly-regarded in our industry.”

The Airline of the Year award will be presented at a Gala Dinner at the 42nd edition of the annual ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards taking place during the Singapore Air Show on February 15, 2016. – TradeArabia News Service