Etihad Airways has showcased its new first class facilities at an ongoing major travel expo in Bahrain.

The fifth edition of Bahrain International Travel Exhibition (BITE) 2009 will run from May 14 to 16 at the Bahrain International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Its stand at the show also features the Abu Dhabi-based airline's revamped first class and business class bed as well as highlights many of the recent in-flight and ground improvements it has introduced for its customers.

Etihad Airways' Middle East regional general manager Maen Abdul Halim said they are anticipating a great deal of interest in their eye-catching stand, especially the new first class suite.

"The expo is one of the largest travel exhibitions in the Middle East and therefore an ideal opportunity for us to showcase our award-winning products and services,” he said.

He said visitors this year can see for themselves the high quality of the end-to-end travel experience the airlines offers it premium customers.

This is the second time that Etihad Airways has exhibited at BITE, which is now in its fifth year.

The annual event aims to showcase current travel trends, developments and emerging destinations around the world.

To mark its presence, the airline is also offering Bahrain-based air travellers a range of special promotional fares.

Etihad Airways created history recently by becoming the first airline in the world to win five World Travel Awards at the 2009 World Travel Awards Middle East event held in Dubai.

It was also given an extra award at the ceremony in recognition of being the organisation with the biggest impact on travel and tourism in the region. – TradeArabia News Service