Etihad Airways, the national Airline of the UAE, has been voted the Airline of the Year in the Middle East by the readers of the leading travel catering industry publication.
The Pax International Magazine Readership Awards are the only celebration of their kind within the travel catering market, recognising excellence in performance, achievement and product development across air, cruise, land and rail.
“Etihad prides itself on continually seeking to challenge traditional industry norms to provide the best possible levels of hospitality across our international network,” said James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways.
“With cuisine being such a fundamental part of the Etihad travel experience, it is a wonderful honour to be recognised in such a key industry title and this award – one that is voted for by travel professionals – is an achievement that we value greatly.”
The airline’s innovative approach to food services was singled out as a key factor in its success, reflecting the strong service philosophy which has always been at the core of Etihad’s developments.
From the outset Etihad has ensured its high standards are reflected as much in the quality of cuisine, the element of choice, the flexibility of meal arrangements and the level of service as the meal presentation and décor.
Etihad’s menus are tailor-made according to a variety of factors, including flight destination, length of flight and Guests profile, in order to determine the best possible menu options for that particular flight.
“As Etihad’s global network continues to grow, we will look to broaden our on-board cuisine further still to reflect the ongoing expansion of our worldwide destinations,” added Geert W. Boven, VP Commercial, Etihad Airways
“With the introduction of further ‘fine dining’ elements and menu concepts within our new routes, including our unique Mezze and Tapas-style menus which are featured on our new daily Abu Dhabi – New York service, we are confident that Etihad will continue to stand out as an industry leader in this field.”
Another attribute evident in Etihad’s catering is its “fresh obsessed” focus, with a clear emphasis on serving freshly harvested and locally available fruits and vegetables to ensure the highest quality meal experience.
“As the world’s leading new airline, Etihad has already achieved impressive milestones in its three years of operation,” concluded James Hogan, Etohad CEO.
“By receiving the Pax International Magazine Readership Award in the same week as we celebrate our third anniversary, we are once again demonstrating the impact Etihad is making at every level in the air travel industry.”
Photo caption: Praise for Etihad Airways in-flight experience continues with the airline being voted Airline of the Year in the Middle East by the readers of the leading travel catering industry publication.
About the Pax International Magazine Readership Awards 2006
The Second Annual Readership Awards recognises the leading players within the international travel catering industry, with award presentations due to take place by the end of December 2006.
With companies rewarded for their innovation and creativity with the catering industry, the main criteria covered food service, food quality and cabin crew training, with the 2006 awards covering a total of 12 categories by region - Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
The results were based on 2,000 nominations polled via the magazine’s website over a 12 month period.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates, is the world’s leading new airline and currently offers flights for Guests and cargo to 46 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
Etihad Crystal Cargo – www.crystalcargo.ae – offers a comprehensive range of cargo services throughout Etihad’s network, and services its many all-cargo destinations and world-wide charters with a fleet of modern regional freighter aircraft.
Etihad Holidays - www.etihadholidays.com - offers a range of innovative holiday options in 82 destinations including skiing, fly-drives, cruises, tours, stopovers, inbound programmes and city breaks.
Through these exciting divisions, Etihad Airways is changing the way people see the world.
Etihad Airways has been awarded the titles of the world’s leading new airline in 2004, 2005 and 2006, and the world’s leading flat-bed seat in 2006 by the World Travel Awards.
For more information about this award-winning aviation group, please visit www.etihadairways.com
