Remco Althuis, Etihad Airways China General Manager, collects the 'Airline of the Year – First Class' 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 & Meeting Industry Awards 2014.

The prestigious honor was announced during a gala ceremony in Beijing at the end of September, attended by more than 200 senior executives from the Chinese travel, meeting and incentive industry, in recognition of the services provided to Etihad Airways' First Class passengers.

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

The award has completed a global hat trick of accolades for Etihad Airways this week, with the airline also named 'Aviation and Transport Company of the Year' at the Gulf Business Industry Awards in Dubai, and Travel Trade Gazette's 'Airline of The Year' in the UK.

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "China is one of the fastest growing travel markets in the world, and one of the most competitive. However, 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 this week, including this latest one in China, is testament to the success and mass appeal of our unique approach."

The China Travel & Meeting Industry Awards are jointly organized by TravelWeekly Magazine and Events China. The 'Airline of the Year - First Class' award follows a string of accolades for Etihad Airways in China 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

Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2013 carried 11.5 million passengers. From its Abu Dhabi base Etihad Airways flies to 108 existing or announced passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of 104 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and more than 200 aircraft on firm order, including 71 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777-X, 62 Airbus A350s and 10 Airbus A380s. Etihad Airways holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia, Aer Lingus, Air Serbia and Jet Airways, and is in the process of formalizing equity investments in Alitalia and Swiss-based Etihad Regional.

For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com