Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has been honoured for its commitment to the environment at China’s 2011 Top Travel magazine awards.

The prestigious Environmental Contribution of the Year Award is given annually to travel companies for demonstrating global leadership in corporate social responsibility.

The win was for Etihad Airways’ efforts in saving washing water and cleaning fluids, and for an improvement in fuel efficiency from reduced aircraft drag.

The chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, James Hogan, said: “Concern and respect for the environment is part of the Etihad Airways brand DNA so we’re especially delighted to have our commitment to the environment acknowledged with this award.”

“We operate the newest, most environmentally efficient aircraft in the skies, and our operations teams work tirelessly to reduce the airline’s fuel burn and emissions and to identify greener suppliers and partners.”

The award coincides with Hogan’s visit to China this week for the launch of the airline’s new Abu Dhabi to Chengdu route, the first and only commercial flight link between the United Arab Emirates and China’s south west region. – TradeArabia News Service