Emirates and Etihad win multiple best in class awards

The Dubai airline won in four categories, including 'Best Premium Economy Class'

Emirates' newest superjumbo is fitted with the Dubai airline's first Premium Economy cabin. All photos: Emirates

The airline was offering complimentary upgrades to those flying Economy class to London.

The stairway on the A380 main deck, around which Emirates' new Premium Economy cabin is located.

Emirates' Premium Economy seats feature anti-stain leather and luxurious stitching details.

With a generous pitch of up to 40 inches, seat are 19.5 inches wide and recline eight inches into a cradle position with room to stretch out.

Each traveller has an in-armrest dining table and cocktail table.

Passengers onboard EK2021 will be able to experience Emirates' new premium economy cabin.

Emirates has been named the “Best Airline Worldwide” for the ninth time in a row at the Business Traveller Middle East awards.

The Dubai airline also won in three other categories — “Best Premium Economy Class”, “Best Economy Class” and “Best Frequent Flyer Programme”.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was recognised as the airline with the "Best Cabin Crew" as well as being awarded the "Best First Class".

Etihad said in a statement that its First Class cabin is "designed as a private universe – a sanctuary in the sky – which provides guests with a highly personalised and bespoke service tailored to the guests’ individual preferences".

The airline recently launched added the A350-1000 to its fleet and is introducing a new dining experience designed with environmental sustainability and an elevated guest experience as a priority.

Tony Douglas and Etihad Airways Cabin Crew. Etihad was recognised as the airline with the "Best Cabin Crew" as well as being awarded the "Best First Class" at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards. Photo: Etihad

Etihad said its First Class cabin is "designed as a private universe". Photo: Etihad

The awards were presented at a gala dinner on Monday evening, after the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. Photo: Etihad

The awards are based on votes cast online by travellers and readers of Business Traveller Middle East magazine. Photo: Etihad

Meanwhile, Emirates' Premium Economy seats were first introduced in January 2021, with six Airbus A380s offering the cabin.

Emirates said this week that it is in the process of retrofitting a further 67 A380s and 53 Boeing 777s.

The premium economy cabins are decorated with a wood panelling similar to that in business class.

Seats are 49.5 centimetres wide and come with a one-metre pitch and an 20-centimetre reclining position, rounded off by soft leather finishings, six-way adjustable headrests and a footrest.

Emirates will be unveiling the complete premium economy experience on-board and on the ground from August 1, with a dedicated check-in service at Dubai International Airport, complimentary amenity kits, fine glass and chinaware, curated dining and beverage choices.

The airline will be back to full capacity by the end of the year, up from the current 75 per cent to 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels at which it is currently operating, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, the airline's chairman and chief executive, said at the Arabian Travel Market on Tuesday.

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Emirates and Etihad A380 special liveries: 13 of the best

13 of the best A380 liveries: Emirates' the Museum of the Future livery. Photo: Emirates

Emirates flew this Expo 2020 liveried plane all over the world, which became a favourite of plane spotters who shared images on social media. Photo: Emirates

The Cricket World Cup liveried Emirates A380. Courtesy Emirates

The space livery on the Emirates A380. Courtesy Emirates

The Emirates special livery in support of United for Wildlife, a global collaboration that unites the efforts of the world's leading wildlife charities in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade. Wam

An Emirates A380 with Expo 2020 livery flying over Jumeirah Beach and Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, on October 13, 2021. EPA

Etihad Airways' first Airbus A380 with the Facets of Dhabi livery. Lee Hoagland / The National

The emerald green Expo 2020 sustainability livery on an Emirates A380. Courtesy Emirates

The Rugby World Cup special livery on Emirates' A380. Courtesy Emirates

Emirates' 100th A380 with its special Year of Zayed livery. Emmanuel Samoglou / The National

An Etihad A380 with Year of Zayed livery. Courtesy Etihad Airways

Emirates' new livery seen here on an A380 superjumbo celebrating the UAE's golden anniversary.

Real Madrid flying into Abu Dhabi on a special livery A380. Courtesy Emirates