Leading international industry publication honours Abu Dhabi carrier for its unique growth strategy.
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 last nightby Etihad Airways to mark the arrival of its award-winning Airbus A380 daily service from Abu Dhabi to America’s financial capital.
Following a carefully planned strategy of organic growth and strategic investments in selected airlines around the world, Etihad Airways has rapidly developed into an airline of choice, setting benchmarks in service and hospitality, with innovation at the core of its business.
Etihad Airways was recognised by ATW’s editorial board for “fast but thoughtful growth, consistently delivering against its targets and always thinking ahead.” The airline was also applauded for its “excellent numbers on financials, cargo and safety”; its unique partnership strategy that was paying dividends; a willingness to be bold in equity tie-ups boosting the number over the past 12 months to include Etihad Regional and Alitalia;and its strategy of developing ground-breaking strategic contracts with suppliers.
ATW also spoke highly of Etihad Airways’ “consistently diplomatic, dignified and assured response to attacks by US airlines on Gulf carriers” in which Etihad Airways had developed a powerful defence of its business model and strategy. ATW said Etihad Airways’ executive team, led by President and Chief Executive Officer James Hogan, had maintained the high road and, in doing so, demonstrated industry leadership beyond the company mandate.
James Hogan added: “There have been attacks on our business model but we have chosen to let our service, our routes and our competitive offer do the talking.
“Etihad Airways is not about being the biggest – it is about being the best. It has been a long road to success but we have shown it is possible to change the aviation landscape. I thank ATW for this award, the most highly-regarded in our industry.”
Mr Hogan said Etihad Airways constantly shifted the goalposts in service and product offerings, as demonstrated by last week’s arrival of the airline’s first US service featuring its award-winning Airbus A380s, now flying to New York’s JFK International Airport. The A380, which made its US debut on 23 November, features The Residence by Etihad™ – the commercial airline industry’s only three-room suite with its own butler. And this week, Etihad Airways opened a new lounge for First and Business Class passengers at JFK International Airport – the airline’s second premium facility in the United States – reinforcing its commitment to investing in theguest travel experience on the ground.
Over the past 12 months, Etihad Airways also launched its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner – the first of 71 on order – and inducted the first of 10 Airbus A380 aircraft into its fleet.
A key part of Etihad Airways’ unique growth strategy has been to strike equity partnerships with other airlines. This year, it took a 49 per cent stake in Italian carrier Alitalia in a game-changing deal. This added to minority stakes in airberlin, Jet Airways, Virgin Australia, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles and Etihad Regional.
The airline launched six new routes on three continents during 2015 taking its global network of destinations to 116 with a fleet of 120 aircraft. More than 17 million guests are expected to travel on Etihad Airways by the end of 2015, up from almost 15 million last year, while the airline maintains its focus on profitability.
Air Transport World is an authoritative monthly magazine serving the needs of the global airline and commercial air transport manufacturing communities. Its renowned editors have been nominated for nearly every major aviation journalism award available thanks to their balanced coverage of the airline industry and incisive reports on trends.
The Airline of the Year award will be presented at a Gala Dinner at the 42nd edition of the annual ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards taking place during the Singapore Air Show on 15 February 2016.
Originally posted on Etihad.com
Etihad Airways' Maiden Flight to Madrid Takes Off
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain, so it was only a matter of time before the national airline of the UAE recently commenced its four time a week non-stop service flights to Madrid from Abu Dhabi.
Visiting a city like Madrid and trying to squeeze in all the wonderful sights can be tough, but we’ve narrowed down a list of top five must-try things to do before you leave – enjoy!
1. Take in the city’s best views from the rooftop terrace at the Círculo de Bellas Artes in C/ Alcalá
2. Tour the Casa de Campo park, with 1,700 hectares (6.6 sq mi) it’s five times bigger than New York's Central Park.
3. Visit the Royal Palace, next to the Catedral de la Almudena, the official residence of the Spanish royal family (although they now live in the Zarzuela Palace).
4. Succumb to your sweet tooth with an indulgent treat (or two) of chocolate con churros – they’re to die for!
5. Explore Madrid's Art Triangle, home to The Museo del Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Etihad Airways’ new flight schedule is as follows:
Flight No.
|
Origin
|
Departs
|
Destination
|
Arrives
|
Frequency
|
Aircraft
|
EY075
|
Abu Dhabi (AUH)
|
02:35
|
Madrid (MAD)
|
08:45
|
Mon, Wed, Fri
& Sat
|
A330-200
|
EY076
|
Madrid (MAD)
|
10:05
|
Abu Dhabi (AUH)
|
19:25
|
Mon, Wed, Fri
& Sat
|
A330-200
|
Etihad Airways unveils stunning new livery
The
design was revealed as the national airline of the UAE rolled out the first of
its ten A380s at the Airbus Firkenwerder facility in Hamburg.
Created in partnership with leading
brand consultants Landor Associates and drawing inspiration from Abu Dhabi’s desert landscape and modern
architecture, Etihad’s new livery design will eventually be introduced across
its entire fleet.
The design
pattern named ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi’ uses a colour palette which reflects the
varying hues of the landscape of the UAE, from the darker
sands of Liwa to the lighter colours seen in the Northern Emirates.
The airlines A380
will begin flights to London Heathrow from 27 December 2014. The two subsequent
deliveries of the A380 in early 2015 will also service the route, making it a
triple daily A380 operation. Later in 2015, A380s will operate flights to Sydney
and flights to New York as Etihad Airways receives its fourth and fifth
aircraft.
What do you think
of the new livery?
Etihad Airways to enter new markets in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Tanzania
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced the expansion of its ever-growing network with the addition of Baku, Tbilisi and Dar es Salaam in the second half of 2015.
It’s the ninth new destination to be announced for the year ahead at Etihad, and the company has shown very little signs of slowing down.
The fast-growing Caucasus region will be a major focus area for Etihad next year, with new flights to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, being operated four times a week from 1 October, while flights to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, will be served three times a week from 2 October.
Both cities are famed for their warm hospitality and natural beauty, offering a breath-taking range of botanic gardens and parks, as well as historic attractions, museums and galleries.
Etihad Airways will also commence a daily flights to Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania, from 1 December 2015, providing access to one of East Africa’s most important economic and government centres, and the country’s many tourist attractions, including pristine beaches, wildlife safaris, and the world’s highest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Flights to all three destinations will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraft in a two-class configuration, with a total of 16 seats in Business Class and 120 seats in Economy Class.
It’s the ninth new destination to be announced for the year ahead at Etihad, and the company has shown very little signs of slowing down.
The fast-growing Caucasus region will be a major focus area for Etihad next year, with new flights to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, being operated four times a week from 1 October, while flights to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, will be served three times a week from 2 October.
Both cities are famed for their warm hospitality and natural beauty, offering a breath-taking range of botanic gardens and parks, as well as historic attractions, museums and galleries.
Etihad Airways will also commence a daily flights to Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania, from 1 December 2015, providing access to one of East Africa’s most important economic and government centres, and the country’s many tourist attractions, including pristine beaches, wildlife safaris, and the world’s highest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Flights to all three destinations will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraft in a two-class configuration, with a total of 16 seats in Business Class and 120 seats in Economy Class.
Launch schedule of new Etihad Airways routes
in 2015:
|
Destination
|
Launch Date
|
Frequency
|
|
Kolkata
|
15 February 2015
|
Daily
|
|
Madrid
|
29 March 2015
|
Daily
|
|
Entebbe
|
1 May 2015
|
Daily
|
|
Edinburgh
|
8 June 2015
|
Daily
|
|
Hong Kong
|
15 June 2015
|
4 per Week
|
|
Algiers
|
17 June 2015
|
3 per Week
|
|
Baku
|
1 October 2015
|
4 per Week
|
|
Tbilisi
|
2 October 2015
|
3 per Week
|
|
Dar es Salaam
|
1 December 2015
|
Daily
|
Air Seychelles introduces non-stop flights to Madagascar
Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, announced the launch of its direct flights to Antananarivo, Madagascar, commencing 3 December 2014.*
The twice-weekly flights to the capital’s Ivato International Airport (TNR) will be operated using a two-class Airbus A320 aircraft, offering 16 Business Class and 120 Economy Class seats.
Madagascar is renowned for its extraordinary botanical and zoological attractions, in particular three UNESCO World Heritage Sites —the rainforests of the Atsinanana, the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, and the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, the spiritual centre of the Merina people.
The new services will be Air Seychelles’ fourth destination in a rapidly expanding regional network that includes Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg and Mauritius.
Air Seychelles’ Antananarivo service, due to commence 3 December 2014:
Flight No.
|
Origin
|
Departs
|
Destination
|
Arrives
|
Days
|
Aircraft
|
HM 755
|
Mahé (SEZ)
|
09:30
|
Antananarivo (TNR)
|
11:05
|
Wed, Sat
|
A320
|
HM 754
|
Antananarivo (TNR)
|
15:30
|
Mahé (SEZ)
|
19:05
|
Wed, Sat
|
A320
|
Note: All departures and arrivals are listed in local time.
*subject to government approvals
Etihad Airways launches arrivals lounge in Abu Dhabi
The all-new Arrivals Lounge by Etihad Airways is the first-of-its-kind to be operated in the world, offering a stylish and modern environment for the exclusive use of the airline’s First and Business Class guests. It also boasts a convenient location, immediately after customs at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
So what can you expect upon arriving in Abu Dhabi? Highlights include a dedicated area to freshen-up before leaving the airport, with 10 revitalising shower units, each equipped with luxurious amenities and linked to a complimentary service for clothes steaming. You can get your dresses and suits pressed to perfection in just 10 minutes, ready for when you finish your shower.
For gentleman, a complimentary refreshing wet shave by fully-qualified barbers is offered at ‘SHAVE by Etihad Airways’, located in the Arrivals Lounge.
There’s more. As a First Class or Business Class guest, you’ll also get access to a dedicated relaxation area, with high-comfort seating, large screen televisions, and an array of local and international newspapers, magazines and books.
You can even tuck-in to delicious Café style refreshments, including breakfast offering in the morning, hot and cold beverages, and a delectable range of canapés, snacks and sweet treats, all freshly prepared by a culinary team and inspired by gourmet flavours from around the world.
If you’re looking for a quiet and productive space to prepare for meetings, you can utilise the onsite business facility, which features a large-screen Apple computer, printer, and complimentary broadband and wireless internet connections.
Etihad Airways currently operates a global network of 11 airport lounges, including the new Arrivals Lounge, and its existing First and Business Class facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport. The airline’s international lounges are located in Dublin, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Manchester, Paris, Sydney and Washington DC, with future locations set to include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Melbourne and Milan.
So what can you expect upon arriving in Abu Dhabi? Highlights include a dedicated area to freshen-up before leaving the airport, with 10 revitalising shower units, each equipped with luxurious amenities and linked to a complimentary service for clothes steaming. You can get your dresses and suits pressed to perfection in just 10 minutes, ready for when you finish your shower.
For gentleman, a complimentary refreshing wet shave by fully-qualified barbers is offered at ‘SHAVE by Etihad Airways’, located in the Arrivals Lounge.
There’s more. As a First Class or Business Class guest, you’ll also get access to a dedicated relaxation area, with high-comfort seating, large screen televisions, and an array of local and international newspapers, magazines and books.
You can even tuck-in to delicious Café style refreshments, including breakfast offering in the morning, hot and cold beverages, and a delectable range of canapés, snacks and sweet treats, all freshly prepared by a culinary team and inspired by gourmet flavours from around the world.
If you’re looking for a quiet and productive space to prepare for meetings, you can utilise the onsite business facility, which features a large-screen Apple computer, printer, and complimentary broadband and wireless internet connections.
Etihad Airways currently operates a global network of 11 airport lounges, including the new Arrivals Lounge, and its existing First and Business Class facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport. The airline’s international lounges are located in Dublin, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Manchester, Paris, Sydney and Washington DC, with future locations set to include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Melbourne and Milan.
Etihad Airways’ new schedule provides more choice to and from South Africa
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), today announced changes to its schedule between Abu Dhabi and Johannesburg, effective 26 October 2014.
The change in the flight schedule, with new daily departure options from Abu Dhabi to Johannesburg and vice versa, will provide travellers in either direction with improved opportunities to connect onwards to regional networks across Africa, and internationally beyond the airline’s hub in Abu Dhabi.
The new schedule will also provide passengers with a significant increase in weekly connections between Johannesburg and a number of key Asian business and leisure destinations on the airline’s fast growing global network, including Chengdu (China), Singapore and Phuket (Thailand).
All times are local
The change in the flight schedule, with new daily departure options from Abu Dhabi to Johannesburg and vice versa, will provide travellers in either direction with improved opportunities to connect onwards to regional networks across Africa, and internationally beyond the airline’s hub in Abu Dhabi.
The new schedule will also provide passengers with a significant increase in weekly connections between Johannesburg and a number of key Asian business and leisure destinations on the airline’s fast growing global network, including Chengdu (China), Singapore and Phuket (Thailand).
The new Johannesburg schedule, effective Sunday, 26 October 2014 will be as follows:
|
Flight No.
|
From
|
To
|
Dept. Time
|
Arr Time
|
Days
|
|
EY602
|
AUH
|
JNB
|
2:00am
|
8:40am
|
Wed,
Fri, Sun
|
|
EY601
|
JNB
|
AUH
|
9:55am
|
8:15pm
|
Wed,
Fri, Sun
|
|
EY604
|
AUH
|
JNB
|
10:35am
|
5:10pm
|
Mon,
Tues, Thurs, Sat
|
|
EY603
|
JNB
|
AUH
|
8:30pm
|
6:40am
+1
|
Mon,
Tues, Thurs, Sat
|
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