Etihad Airways Scoops Two Major Awards at 17th Annual Irish Trade News Ceremony

[Nicholas Snow]

Etihad Airways Scoops Two Major Awards at 17th Annual Irish Trade News Ceremony

The Abu Dhabi-based airline, which celebrates in July its second anniversary of flights to Ireland, picked up the “best business class airline” award for the second year running and was also presented with the award for the “best airline to the Middle East and Africa”.

Etihad was also voted runner-up in the “best airline to Asia and Australasia” category at a glittering awards ceremony held in The Burlington Hotel, Dublin.

Etihad currently operates daily flights between the Irish capital Dublin and Abu Dhabi, with onward flights to Sydney and Brisbane among its most popular connections from Ireland. Air travellers flying to Australia will receive a boost on 29 March when Etihad launches a new daily service to Melbourne.

Beatrice Cosgrove, Etihad Airways’ Ireland country manager, said: “Etihad Airways enjoyed a very successful 2008 in Ireland, achieving an average seat factor of 80 per cent, and so to be recognised by the travel agents of Ireland and Northern Ireland is a great privilege.

“We are committed to our relationship with the Irish travel trade and providing a premier service to our Irish customers.”

L-R: Beatrice Cosgrove, Etihad Airways’ Ireland country manager; James Vaughan President of the Irish Travel Agencies Association and Michael Flood, Editor of Irish Travel News.

Earlier in January, Etihad announced a new code share agreement with Aer Arann, making travel with Etihad Airways more accessible for passengers travelling from across Ireland, particularly Cork and Galway.

In November 2008, Etihad Airways also won the “European sponsorship of the year” award in the business to consumer category for its sponsorship of the GAA Hurling All Ireland Senior Championship.

Photo caption: (left to right) Beatrice Cosgrove, Etihad Airways’ Ireland country manager; James Vaughan President of the Irish Travel Agencies Association and Michael Flood, Editor of Irish Travel News.

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to 50 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.