Etihad Chairman recognised for contribution to aviation

His Highness received the prestigious 'Innovation in Business' award at a ceremony held at the Future Capitals World Summit in Abu Dhabi and attended by members of the UAE royal family, international heads of state, government officials, diplomats and other prominent figures.

The award recognises the strategic vision of His Highness, the record-breaking growth of Etihad Airways as well as the contribution of Etihad to the development of Abu Dhabi into a 'future capital of the 21st century'.

Etihad Airways' Chairman His Highness Dr Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan said:

"It is a tremendous honour to receive this prestigious award on behalf of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates."

He added, "This award is the result of years of hard work by the entire Etihad Airways team, who together have helped Etihad develop into a truly global carrier. I would like to recognise the efforts of all our staff and other partners who have worked tirelessly to make the airline the success story that it is today."

"We owe so much of what has been achieved to the visionary leadership of the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with the complete guidance and support of General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces," Sheikh Ahmed conluded.

The growth during 2008, Etihad's fifth year of operations, saw passenger numbers total 6,021,931 and the average seat factor rise from 68% to 75%. The airline has also taken delivery of nine new aircraft boosting its fleet to a total of 42.

Etihad launched six new routes in 2008 - Beijing, Minsk, Almaty, Kozhikode, Chennai and Moscow - as well as signing a record order of $43bn at the Farnborough International Airshow for up to 205 Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

Etihad's Chairman along with the airline's CEO, James Hogan, signed one of the largest aircraft orders in commercial aviation history in July at the Farnborough air show in the UK for up to 205 aircraft in a deal worth $43bn, at list prices.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways' Chief Executive, said: "I am delighted that His Highness Dr Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan, the Etihad Airways Chairman, has been recognised for his substantial contribution to the airline since its inception in 2003."

"His Highness was at the helm when Etihad's first flights took off and we are privileged that he continues to play a leading and guiding role in our airline, providing the highest level of support at the head of our board," he added.

Sheikh Ahmed became Chairman of Etihad Airways in 2003 following the presidential decree from His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

Dr Sheikh Ahmed is a member of the ruling family and a member of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, UAE. He is also Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies, ADAT, a post he has held since 2001.

His Highness trained pilots in the UAE armed forces on Boeing 767's and is himself a qualified commercial captain on the Airbus A340 aircraft type.