ABU DHABI, Feb 16 — Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was presented with the coveted Airline of the Year 2016 award by the prestigious US-based aviation industry publication Air Transport World (ATW) yesterday, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

The accolade acknowledged Etihad Airways’ strong executive leadership team in developing a profitable strategy of organic growth and unique equity partnerships.

Etihad Airways soars on the wings of ‘strong executive leadership’. — AFP file pic

Other attributes included introducing ground-breaking products and services, creating the foundations for building a motivated workforce, and engaging in a diplomatic, dignified defence of its business model in the wake of fierce opposition by US carriers.

ATW’s editorial board considered entries from more than 100 airlines around the world. The award was presented at a dinner at the 42nd edition of the annual ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards on the eve of the Singapore Air Show.

James Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, said the award recognised what Etihad set out to do as an airline 13 years ago — to be safe, profitable and simply the best.

“It is a reflection of our strengths — a robust business model and innovative products and superior service delivered by our 27,000 dedicated employees,” he said.

Karen Walker, Air Transport World editor-in-chief, said Etihad Airways was clearly an airline apart from the pack and one that sets its own course.

During 2015, Etihad Airways launched six new routes on three continents, taking its global network of destinations to 116 with a fleet of 121 aircraft.

More than 17 million guests flew on Etihad Airways last year, up from almost 15 million in 2014.

Etihad Airways also launched its Boeing 787 Dreamliner — the first of 71 on order — and phased in the first of 10 Airbus A380 aircraft into its fleet.

Etihad Airways was recognised by ATW’s editorial board for “fast but thoughtful growth, consistently delivering against its targets and always thinking ahead”.

The airline was also applauded for its “excellent numbers on financials, cargo and safety”.

Air Transport World is an authoritative monthly magazine serving the global airline and commercial air transport manufacturing communities.

Its editors have been nominated for nearly every major aviation journalism award available thanks to their balanced coverage of the airline industry and incisive reports on trends.

ATW’s Airline Industry Achievement Awards were created in 1974 to recognise excellence across a broad range of airline operations and are widely considered as the most coveted in the aviation industry. The magazine is based in the United States with an editorial team that reaches across the world. — Bernama