Etihad Airways 'wins three awards'
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has scooped three prestigious travel awards at two ceremonies in Dublin.
The firm was named best long-haul airline at the Blue Insurance Travel Media Awards, while winning the 'Best Long-haul Airline' and 'Best Business Class Airline' prizes at the Irish Travel Trade Awards on the same evening.
Held at Dublin's Clyde Court Hotel, the Travel Media Awards were hosted by TV and radio personality Kathryn Thomas. This is third year the ceremony has taken place, with all category winners decided by the Irish travel media.
The Irish Travel Trade took place at the Double Tree by Hilton in the Irish capital and saw Etihad Airways walk away with its top two prizes, awarded in front of a crowd of 300 industry professionals.
Commenting on being presented with three prestigious industry accolades, Beatrice Cosgrove, Etihad Airways’ Ireland country manager, said: 'Industry recognition like this is fantastic for Etihad Airways and illustrates the positive impact we continue to make in meeting and exceeding the expectations of our guests in Ireland.
'We're proud to be in this position as a leader in product and service delivery and will use these awards as a springboard for more success.'
Etihad Airways has been flying from Ireland for more than seven years and operates two daily flights between Dublin and Abu Dhabi.
The airline have also recently won awards from AirlineRatings.com, scooping the 'Best First Class' and 'Best Long-Haul Airline' prizes, as well as coming second for top airline overall, just behind Air New Zealand.
Geoffrey Thomas, editor-in-chief and publisher of the website, said the airline's commitment to excellence 'knows no bounds'. He described the firm's first and business class offerings as 'breathtaking' and noted that Etihad has set a new benchmark in luxury travel.
According to Mr Thomas, the airline has become a major force in the industry and a trendsetter since it was launched in 2003, which he feels is a significant achievement.
'Etihad Airways has an uncompromising attitude to excellence. For the airline only the best will do,' he concluded.