Etihad Airways honored with Airline of the Year award

The United Arab Emirates’ national air carrier Etihad Airways was recently named the 2016 Airline of the Year by the editors of the American aviation industry publication Air Transport World.

More than 100 global airlines were in the running for the title, which recognizes aviation industry companies for impressive innovation, profits, growth and customer services.

The Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways won based on four years of growing profits, the company’s strategy of organizing partnerships with other entities, a highly trained workforce and its innovative services for guests.

Etihad Airways President and CEO James Hogan accepted the award on behalf of the company while commending the airline’s employees for their part in making the award happen.

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

Karen Walker, editor-in-chief of Air Transport World, said Etihad’s achievements were worthy of the title.

"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,” Walker said.