Etihad Airways wins 2016 Airline of the Year

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 by Etihad Airways to mark the arrival of its award-winning Airbus A380 daily service from Abu Dhabi to America’s financial capital - New York.