Etihad scoops website award

WebAward is an annual awards event organised by the US-based Web Marketing Association. The awards recognise the best websites across nearly 100 different industry sectors in 47 countries across the world, based on nominations received from thousands of digital agencies, website developers and marketing departments.

Each website is independently assessed by a panel of industry experts according to a number of criteria, which includes design, ease of use, copywriting, interactivity, use of technology, innovation and content.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' executive vice president marketing and product, said:

"To be judged the most outstanding airline website by the Web Marketing Association is a great honour and testament to the significant investment we continue to place in online marketing."

"At the heart of our strategy is the provision of an integrated full-service website, which offers our customers the ability to plan their journey, book their tickets, check-in and even select their favourite seat," he added.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline's website, etihadairways.com, offers users a booking engine which is fully integrated with the airline's loyalty programme and customer relationship management (CRM) applications which further enhance personal contact with customers.

Customers can also book any flights and products from the award winning "web shop" using any combination of air miles and cash for worldwide distribution.

Etihad has also launched local websites exclusively for specific markets which offers special web fares with price guarantees as well as local information tailored to a customer's specific requirements.

Further new features which will shortly be introduced on the website include a flexible price search engine and real-time communication facilities for mobile technology devices such as WAP (wireless application protocol).

The 2008 WebAward is the latest accolade that Etihad has recently picked up for its innovative online marketing strategy. Earlier this year, Etihad picked up the top 'gongs' at both the 'Freddie' and Pan Arab Web awards.