BY JAMES WILKINSON

Etihad Airways has marked seven years of flying in stunning fashion by being named the World’s Leading Airline for the second year in a row at the World Travel Awards in London.

Etihad Airways is celebrating seven years of flying

The airline, which operates flights from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney to Abu Dhabi, was also named ‘World’s Leading First Class’ for the third year in a row.

“To win the award for ‘World’s Leading Airline’ two years running is a phenomenal and unprecedented achievement for an airline that is only seven years old,” said Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer James Hogan.

“It shows that our service ethic is well embedded and that we have the ability to consistently deliver what customers want.

“The aviation industry is fiercely competitive and to win an accolade like this, and be placed amongst the best in the world, is something we will continue to strive for year-on-year.

“The aviation industry continues to face stern challenges whether it is in security, the global recession, or natural disasters like the ash cloud in Europe, but Etihad has shown that it is equipped to manage through these difficulties and still deliver the best product and service to its customers,” he said.

To celebrate the World Travel Awards win and to mark the airline’s seventh birthday, Etihad has released a range of birthday fares to several of the most sought-after destinations in its network, including Frankfurt ($1694 return), Paris (in Business Class from $8,188 return), Moscow ($1,603 return), Dublin ($1,614 return), Brussels ($1,615 return) and Abu Dhabi ($1,700 return).