Remco Althuis, Etihad Airways' General Manager for China, receives the "Airline of the Year – First Class" award from Irene Chua, Group Publisher of Northstar Asia, at the 13th Annual China Travel & Meeting Industry Awards 2014 in Beijing  

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has been named "Airline of the Year - First Class" at the 13th Annual China Travel and Meeting Industry Awards 2014. 

The prestigious honor in recognition of the services provided to the airline's first-class passengers was announced during a gala ceremony in Beijing in September, attended by more than 200 senior executives from the Chinese travel, meeting and incentive industry. 

Etihad currently serves the cities of Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai in China, and will extend its local footprint with a new Hong Kong service in June 2015. 

The award completed a global hat trick of accolades for Etihad in September as it was named the "Aviation and Transport Company of the Year" at the Gulf Business Industry Awards in Dubai, and "Airline of The Year" by the Travel Trade Gazette in the UK. 

James Hogan, Etihad's President and CEO, said: "China is one of the fastest growing travel markets in the world, and one of the most competitive. By offering a best-in-class travel experience that caters to the specific needs of our guests, Etihad Airways has established itself as an airline of choice for those flying into and out of the country. 

"We have placed world-class hospitality standards at every touch point in the journey, which are benchmarked against the world's leading hotels and restaurants. The fact that Etihad Airways has won three prestigious awards in three different parts of the world... including this latest one in China, is testament to the success and mass appeal of our unique approach." 

The Annual China Travel and Meeting Industry Awards are jointly organized by Travel Weekly magazine and event management company Events China. The "Airline of the Year - First Class" award follows a string of laurels for Etihad in China as well this year, including "Business Class of the Year" at the Best Travel Media Awards, and "Best First Class Cabin" at the Travel Awards. 

About Etihad Airways

The UAE flag carrier began operations in 2003, carrying 11.5 million passengers in 2013. From its Abu Dhabi base, the airline flies to 108 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. It has a fleet of 104 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and more than 200 aircraft on firm order. Etihad holds equity in Airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia, Aer Lingus, Air Serbia and Jet Airways. It is also in the process of formalizing investments in Alitalia and Swiss-based Etihad Regional. For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com