Etihad Airways crowned “Airline of the Year” by leading United States magazine Global

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has been named Airline of the Year by Global Traveler (GT) magazine in the United States.

The publication’s Advisory Board selected Etihad Airways for the prestigious title, with the airline also winning the awards for Best Airline for First Class and Best Airport Lounges, voted for by Global Traveler readers.

The Advisory Board applauded Etihad Airways for its superior levels of in-flight service that include a Chef in Diamond First Class, a Food and Beverage Manager in Pearl Business Class, and the airline’s renowned Flying Nanny.

Etihad Airways also received praise for the impressive and rapid expansion of the airline’s network, fleet, and services.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer said: “The Global Traveler awards recognise the very best that the travel industry has to offer and we are delighted that in our tenth year of operations Etihad Airways has been chosen as the Airline of the Year.

“The three Global Traveler awards reflect the growing presence Etihad Airways has in the United States and that American air travelers enjoy and appreciate the increased levels of service and hospitality delivered by Etihad Airways in the air and on the ground.”

Etihad Airways currently flies to Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C. Daily return flights between Abu Dhabi and Los Angeles will start on June 1, 2014 with more US destinations to be announced.

Etihad Airways offers Diamond First and Pearl Business Class guests access to its luxurious premium lounge at Washington Dulles International Airport with other Etihad Airways lounges set to open in the US in 2014.

Francis X. Gallagher, Publisher and CEO, Global Traveler said: “Every trip I take with Etihad Airways is enormously pleasurable and something I treasure and always look forward to.

“From personalised check-in at the airport, dining in the premium lounge, boarding the aircraft, the in-flight service and entertainment, and being driven away at the end in an Etihad Airways limousine, every touch point is an exquisite experience.”

The Global Traveler success caps a highly successful week for Etihad Airways with the airline being presented with the World Travel Awards’ coveted title of World’s Leading Airline for the fifth consecutive year.

Etihad Airways also won the World Travel Awards titles for World’s Leading Airline Cabin Crew and World’s Leading Airline First Class.