Etihad Airways Again Tops Skytrax First Class Awards

The Abu Dhabi-based airline took home the coveted title of Best First Class for the fourth consecutive year, as well as taking home top honours for Best First Class Seats and Best First Class Catering.

The awards, which are voted on by travellers from more than 160 countries, were presented at the Skytrax World Airline Awards ceremony today at the Paris Air Show.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' Chief Commercial Officer, said: “It is a huge accomplishment to take home the top honours in every First Class category again, underlining our leading premium product proposition.

“Etihad Airways has, in just 10 years of operation, risen rapidly in the Skytrax rankings because we are continually investing in innovative new product and service concepts. We believe that world-class hospitality should not be limited to hotels and restaurants, so we are elevating the travel experience by bringing the best of hospitality to every touch point in the journey.

“The Skytrax World Airline Awards represent a global benchmark for airline excellence because they go straight to the source – the traveller. To be recognised and named by our guests as the best in the world is an affirmation of the value of our unique philosophy and innovation.”

Etihad Airways continues to win global recognition for offering a five-star restaurant style of service in its Diamond First Class cabins with personal inflight Chefs. The Chefs use fresh organic produce, eggs and honey sourced locally from Abu Dhabi Organic Farms to prepare dishes based on passengers' individual taste and preference.

First Class Chefs are complemented by Food and Beverage Managers who are focused on delivering inspired service in Pearl Business Class. Etihad Airways' First Class Chefs and Food and Beverage Managers are recruited from top rated hotels and restaurants around the world, supporting the airline's inspired service philosophy.

Edward Plaisted, CEO of SKYTRAX, said: “It has been another fantastic year of achievement for Etihad Airways at the 2013 World Airline Awards, and in scooping all of the First Class award categories, Etihad Airways have demonstrated that they are truly world leaders in this premium cabin. These awards represent passenger votes from across the world, and they have chosen Etihad Airways as the world's Best Airline for First Class travel.”