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Etihad Airways, the national flag carrier of the UAE, has set a new benchmark in the aviation industry by clinching an unprecedented 16 awards at the prestigious World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo held in Hamburg. This remarkable achievement marks the highest number of accolades the airline has received in a single week, underscoring its commitment to excellence in inflight product design, amenities, and hospitality.
As a pioneer in the aviation sector, Etihad’s innovative approach was celebrated through multiple awards for its collaboration with luxury brands Giorgio Armani and ESPA. The airline’s new amenity kits, stylish loungewear, and the iconic Economy amenity tote bag were particularly lauded, alongside the exceptional tableware and meal service offered in both Business and Economy classes.
John Wright, Chief Operations and Guest Officer at Etihad expressed his pride in the airline’s accomplishments: “We are committed to giving flight to ambition, and these awards both recognize and celebrate our teams’ dedication to providing an extraordinary travel experience for our guests.”
The PAX International Awards highlighted Etihad’s success in delivering the best passenger experience, awarding the airline the Best First-Class Amenity and Best Economy Class Amenity kit in the Middle East. Etihad’s culinary prowess also received acclaim with the Outstanding Food Service award from a Carrier for the Middle East award.
The newly inaugurated First and Business class lounges at Zayed International Airport emerged victorious in the lounge category. They offer guests a luxurious experience across three floors, complete with live cooking stations and the ‘Constellation Bar’ on the roof level.
In the Onboard Hospitality Awards, Etihad’s commitment to sustainability was recognized with the Trendsetter of the Year award for its closed-loop recycling tableware in Economy class. The airline’s First-Class Amenity Kit, featuring Giorgio Armani folio bags with ESPA products and loungewear, also won top honours, alongside the Best Wearable Textile award for its Giorgio Armani Loungewear.
The TravelPlus Awards further solidified Etihad’s reputation for premium passenger amenities, with the airline achieving a five-star rating and winning Gold in the Middle East for its business class tableware and new range of business class amenities.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Etihad introduced a limited-edition amenity kit inspired by its original livery, which garnered a gold award. The First-Class Unisex Amenity kits and Business Class loungewear also received high commendations.
