The prestigious award, voted for by the readers of TTG Asia, TTG China, TTG India, TTG mice, TTG-BT Mice China, TTG associations and TTG Asia Luxury, was presented to the airline at a gala ceremony in Bangkok last week. Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “We are delighted to have been recognized by TTG and the travel trade in the Asia Pacific region, who have voted Etihad Airways as ‘Best Airline – Business Class'. “The Best Airline – Business Class award is an especially important accolade for Etihad Airways because of the highly competitive aviation landscape in the region. “The ground-breaking new Business Studios on our fleet of A380s and B787 Dreamliners, in particular, have redefined luxury air travel by offering an unprecedented level of style, comfort and hospitality that sets a whole new benchmark for business class travel worldwide.” Baumgartner added: “Our travel trade partners are key to Etihad Airways' success in the region and we are indebted to them for the unwavering support they have given the airline since we commenced flights to Bangkok, our first Asian destination, in April 2004.” Etihad Airways offers the travel trade a range of educational, sales support and reward and recognition programs. These include a dedicated travel trade portal, a rewards-based incentive program called ‘SuperSeller', travel agent famils and other localized trade marketing programs. Business Class guests on all Etihad Airways wide-body flights enjoy fully flat beds, with guaranteed direct aisle access. Inflight, dedicated Food and Beverage Managers, handpicked from some of the world's best establishments, oversee an extensive ‘dine anytime' a la carte and snack menu. On ultra-long-haul flights, the airline offers a full turndown service, amenity kits, cotton loungewear and slippers. On the ground, guests have access to airport lounges and chauffeur-driven limousine services at more than 40 locations worldwide. The premium lounge in Abu Dhabi features a Six Senses Spa and Style and Shave by Etihad facility, both offering a range of services, including a selection of complimentary treatments. The TTG Travel Awards have been recognizing the best of the Asia Pacific's travel industry since 1989. This prestigious annual event honors organizations and individuals in four categories: Travel Supplier, Travel Agency, Outstanding Achievement and Travel Hall of Fame. The Best Airline – Business Class award is determined against several performance criteria: providing the best product and service, schedules and network; agent friendliness in terms of reservations, confirmations and commission; and the professionalism of the airline's sales and marketing team. — SG
