Etihad Airways, the UAE’s National Airline, has won its first major industry awards for its innovative and interactive website, receiving significant praise for its integrated approach to e-commerce.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline won two UAE Web Awards at a gala presentation in Dubai on Saturday night, which included the Golden Award in the ‘Travel and Tourism’ category and the ‘Strategy Web’ award.
Etihad re-launched its website in late August 2006 at the same time as unveiling its ground-breaking loyalty programme Etihad Guest, which offers users immediate online rewards and recognition.
“To receive industry recognition so quickly after re-launching the website illustrates how impressive, dynamic and user-friendly it is. Etihad has responded to increasing demand for online services by installing state-of the-art technology that ensures our Guests receive an efficient, seamless and rewarding online experience,” said Peter Baumgartner, Head of Marketing, Etihad Airways.
“It has been designed to offer our Guests the most convenient access to Etihad’s online services, which fully support a seamless planning of the journey, including an innovative approach to integrate the commercial and reward flight booking process and claiming rewards from the Etihad Guest Rewards Shop.”
The judges singled out several of the iconic online features located within the Etihad Guest programme, such as the unique Miles+Cash payment facility.
The UAE Web Awards is an annual competition which recognises the highest standards of excellence in website design and development and honours individuals and companies for their web strategy and accomplishments.
Websites were judged on concept and creativity, technical format, ease of use and navigation, content and structure, visual design and aesthetics and finally, interactivity.
The UAE Web Award winners will go forward to compete in the prestigious Pan Arab Web Awards, considered one of the top awards in the industry, which will be announced in April 2007.
“A company’s website is often the first point-of-call for new and established customers, which is why Etihad has ensured that our e-services are the most advanced available,” said Tehmton Cooper, eCommerce Manager, Etihad Airways.
“Our Guests across the world can obtain a wealth of information about the airline and our services at the touch of a button, ensuring they do not have to waste valuable time when organising their travel with us. As Etihad continues to grow, so too will our website. We will continue to innovate and implement new features and functionalities that will further enhance the Guest experience.”
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates and based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi.
Currently Etihad offers flights for Guests and cargo to 47 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
Etihad Crystal Cargo – www.crystalcargo.ae – offers a comprehensive range of cargo services throughout Etihad’s network, and services its many all-cargo destinations and world-wide charters with a fleet of modern regional freighter aircraft.
Etihad Holidays - www.etihadholidays.com - offers a range of innovative holiday options in 82 destinations including skiing, fly-drives, cruises, tours, stopovers, inbound programmes and city breaks.
Through these exciting divisions, Etihad Airways is changing the way people see the world.
Etihad Airways has been awarded the titles of the World’s Leading New Airline in 2004, 2005 and 2006, and the World’s Leading Flat-Bed Seat in 2006 by the World Travel Awards.
Etihad has also been voted the Airline of the Year in the Middle East by the 2006 Pax International Magazine Readership Awards, for its outstanding food and service.
For more information about this award-winning aviation group, please visit www.etihadairways.com.
