Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has been recognised with four awards at the 26th annual World Travel Awards, WTA, held at the prestigious Royal Opera House in Muscat, Oman. The WTA is one of the industry’s leading events which recognises and celebrates excellence in the global travel and tourism industry.

Etihad received a sweep of awards, being named the ‘World’s Leading Airline 2019’, ‘World’s Leading Airline - Customer Experience 2019’, ‘World’s Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment 2019’ and ‘World’s Leading Excellence Inflight Service 2019’.

Robin Kamark, Chief Commercial Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “At Etihad, we continuously strive to enhance our products and guest experience to ensure we are delivering the industry’s highest standards and leading the way when it comes to innovation. We are honoured that these awards have been voted for by travel and tourism professionals and consumers worldwide, and on behalf of the entire Etihad family, we extend our sincerest thanks to our partners and guests worldwide.”

Graham E. Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, said: “Etihad Airways continues to set the global benchmark for aviation. Its commitment to improving its customer service, technology and inflight experience is unrivalled and I am delighted that it has been acknowledged by both the travel trade and the public.”

The glittering event in Muscat was attended by industry professionals and key leaders in the travel and tourism industry as well as the media.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics services arm of the Etihad Aviation Group, have announced a major project to enhance Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) into a state-of-the-art global air cargo center of excellence.

Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Cargo will implement a multi-phased cargo infrastructure development strategy, starting with the imminent upgrade of Etihad’s existing air cargo terminal facilities on the Southside airport perimeters. The program will culminate with the inauguration of Etihad Cargo’s future home, a new state-of-the-art air cargo terminal in the East Midfield section of the airport, an area designated by Abu Dhabi Airports for future integrated cargo, logistics and integrator activities.

The plans revealed that the first phase, the upgrading of the Southside Etihad cargo facilities, will commence immediately and is due for completion in phases between fall 2019 and end of Q3 2020. The scope includes the enhancement of RFS loading docks with levelers, insulation and floor works for faster and more efficient loading with stricter temperature controls, increased storage space and additional build-up and breakdown zones to improve production workflow, and upgraded cool chain facilities for both its fresh and pharma handling and storage operations.

This phase will not only increase efficiency and productivity in the existing facilities to support air cargo growth at Abu Dhabi International Airport for the coming five years, but it will also enhance Etihad’s pharmaceutical logistics capability through a dedicated Southside Pharma Terminal, adding 3,500 sqm’s of space for temperature-controlled handling and storage across both 2-8 degrees Celsius and 15-25 degrees Celsius categories. This further complements Etihad Cargo’s recent success in the domain, having become the first airline in the Middle East to gain CEIV Pharma certification for both its airline and terminal operations in January.

Furthermore, with a focus on continued growth mid and long term, Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Cargo have agreed as a next step to designate a plot of land at the East Midfield site. The team will soon be inviting expressions of interest to bid for the design and construction of Etihad Cargo’s state-of-the-art, next generation facility that will mark the creation of one the world’s most advanced and automated air cargo terminals. The facility will be designed to handle incremental UAE import and export demand, boost Etihad’s growing cargo network flows as well as cater for the significant rise in E-commerce and express mail and cargo operations.

Bryan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, commented: “Geographically, Abu Dhabi is situated at the heart of the east to west trade routes. Additionally, the transport and logistics fabric of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is well planned and structured to create undeniable potential to grow the cargo traffic exponentially.”

“Today we are putting in place the right foundations and frameworks for our future cargo activity, which in a few years will re-shape this industry for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is the future’s cargo hub for the region and the world.”

WAM/ Agencies