Etihad wins World's Best First Class award

The prestigious World Airline Awards are widely considered to be a global benchmark of airline excellence. Winners are chosen based on the votes and findings of a 10-month survey of over 18 million air travelers from more than 150 countries.

Calum Laming, Vice President of Guest Experience at Etihad Airways, said: “In 2014 we redefined the First Class travel experience with the introduction of a new onboard experience on all flights and the revolutionary cabins on our new fleet of Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

“The airline is tremendously proud that, based on the results of a huge global customer satisfaction survey, we have yet again been presented with these prestigious awards for the world’s finest First Class experience.”

In recent years, the airline has won numerous awards for its First Class and Business Class products. This also marks the second time the airline has won all three First Class award categories at the World Airline Awards.

The A380 First Class cabin boasts nine First Apartments, unique living spaces which at 39 square feet in area, are 74 per cent larger than the airline’s current award-winning First Class suites, and feature a Poltrona Frau leather armchair and a separate ottoman which converts into a full-length 80.5 inch long bed. A dedicated shower room is available for exclusive use by First Class guests.

While the Boeing 787s are equipped with eight private First Suites in a unique curved aisle setting, an airline industry first, with a 10 per cent increase in personal space. The forward and aft facing suites feature a large Poltrona Frau leather armchair which converts into an 80.5 inch fully-flat bed. The suites feature 24 inch TV monitors, large dining tables for dual dining, personal wardrobes and privacy doors.