Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, has achieved ‘Design Airline of the Year 2023’, the top honor in the annual DesignAir Awards.
The award recognizes Etihad’s ongoing investment in customer experience, which has seen the introduction of additional menu items and the launch of a new design-led and sustainable Economy dining experience. The carrier also welcomed a new partnership with Armani/Casa for its Business class experience.
The DesignAir judges stated that, “Etihad has not just shone in its own region where it was crowned Design Airline of the Year Middle East, 2023 – but also our most prestigious award – Design Airline of the Year, 2023. Etihad has proven itself above all other carriers across the globe as this year’s leading global design airline.”
The airline also received DesignAir’s ‘Most Improved Airline Brand.’ The accolades come right after the global edition of the World Travel Awards 2023, where Etihad celebrated a hat-trick with Best Customer Experience, Best Economy Class, and Best First Class Lounge.
Mr. Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways CEO, remarked that, “This year is a proud and pivotal moment for Etihad. As we continue to invest in creating innovative and memorable experiences for our guests, we are thrilled to be recognized as design leaders in this year’s DesignAir awards.”
“On behalf of the entire Etihad family, I want to express our deepest gratitude to our dedicated team members and our loyal customers. This prestigious recognition as the ‘Design Airline of the Year 2023’ and ‘Most Improved Airline Brand’ is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our Etihad family. We are proud and honored by the trust and support of our customers. Thank you for being a part of our journey,” Mr. Neves added.
With the opening of Etihad’s new home at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Terminal A, the whole experience of airport passengers improved. The new terminal provides Etihad’s guests with a streamlined and biometric check-in experience, dedicated premium check-in services, and a three-storey Business and First class lounge facility.
Mr. Jonny Clark, Founder of The DesignAir, commented that, “Etihad has worked tirelessly for a few years now improving its product, image, and consistency across its fleet. It’s for these very reasons we’re proud to award Etihad as the most improved airline brand this year. The airline hasn’t stopped in its efforts to elevate the passenger experience in the skies and on the ground.”