Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways has won six awards at the Middle East World Travel Awards, including the coveted title as the region’s Leading Airline.

Pictured: Etihad Airways celebrate winning six awards at the World Travel Awards in Dubai: (Left to Right) Carmen Delcarme, Cabin Crew member; Taryam Al Subaihi, Corporate Communications Advisor; Suhair Alqadasy, Regional Marketing Manager; Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer; Eva Nikerlova, Cabin Crew member.

Held at The Address Dubai Marina, the evening proved hugely successful for Etihad, with the airline also receiving the ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline First Class’ award, ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline Economy Class’ award, ‘Middle East’s Leading Cabin Staff’ award, ‘Middle East’s Leading International Marketing Campaign’ award, and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline In-flight Entertainment’ award.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer, said: “It is a tremendous achievement to win six titles at the World Travel Awards for the Middle East region, which is voted for by members of the travel industry across the world.

“We have invested significantly in our cabin product and service and these awards illustrate that the airline industry and our passengers like what we have delivered.”

Votes for the World Travel Awards were cast by 180,000 travel industry professionals from more than 175 countries.

This latest success follows Etihad’s triumph in November 2009 when the airline won the global title of the World’s Leading Airline.

Etihad has now won 25 World Travel Awards since it took to the skies in November 2003 and will represent the Middle East region in these categories at the global World Travel Awards held in London later in the year.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer (right) with Hareb Al Muhairy, Etihad Airways’ Vice President Corporate Communications (left), celebrate winning six titles at the World Travel Awards for the Middle East region

Graham Cooke, president and founder of the World Travel Awards, said: “At the World Travel Awards, our goal is to seek out those players who are doing more than anyone else to transform our industry – those players who make tourism a force for good, and a force for change. One of the classic examples is Etihad, an airline that has grown into a global super-brand in just over six years through its vision, courage and dedication.

“We congratulate Etihad Airways on the fantastic achievement at the World Travel Awards Middle East Ceremony.

“By winning six awards, including Middle East’s Leading Airline, Etihad has demonstrated that it continues to excel across all aspects of its business.”

The award for ‘Middle East’s Leading First Class Airline’ follows the significant revamp of Etihad’s First class cabin, including longer and wider beds, housed in their own private suites, and a large new changing room.

In the Economy cabin, Etihad has made major modifications notably with the introduction of its Inspired Service which has now been rolled out in more than two-thirds of Etihad’s global routes and follows the full roll-out in its premium cabins.

The Inspired Service was also one of the key reasons behind Etihad winning the title of ‘Middle East’s Leading Cabin Staff’.

The concept is to ensure that each passenger receives a personalised service, tailored to individual requirements, during the flight.

Upon winning the award for ‘Middle East’s Leading In-flight Entertainment’, Etihad was credited for its state-of-the art E-BOX on-demand system. The E-BOX allows customers to enjoy the latest movies, TV shows, music and interactive games as well as recharge laptop computers and mobile devices.

In winning the title of ‘Middle East’s Leading International Marketing Campaign’ award, Etihad received praise for its latest television commercial which was centred around the ‘Inspired Service’ concept, as well as taking its home base of Abu Dhabi “to the World”.