Emirates voted top of the class

The Dubai-based carrier dominated the Business Traveler Middle East awards, claiming the coveted Best Airline title, as well as Best Regional Airline and Best First Class.

In addition, Skywards took top honors for Best Frequent Flyer Programme.

Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice-President Commercial Operations Worldwide believes the accolades are the airline's reward for refusing to curtail plans to improve its ever-expanding fleet of 134 aircraft.

"The Emirates Group is honored to receive this recognition from one of the most well-traveled and demanding customer segments," said Richard Vaughan.

"Our passengers have come to expect exceptional standards and it is fabulous to know we remain their favorite airline. This recognition, coming at such a challenging time for the airline industry, is acknowledgment of our continued investment and commitment to providing outstanding service."

More than 400 leading executives from across the business travel industry were at Jumeirah Emirates Towers to see Emirates Group pick up the awards, which were voted for by readers of Business Traveler Middle East.

The ceremony was held just a day before the airline confirmed it would press ahead with fleet and route growth plans. The airline will this year take delivery of 17 new aircraft, including 777s and Airbus A380s, launch flights to new destinations, and strengthen its route network to provide more travel options and flight connections for its customers across the globe.

In addition, the interior of many aircraft in its existing fleet will be refitted in a $600m makeover programme to make sure every aircraft meets the increased expectations of passengers who have flown on the newer aircraft.

Durban is one of two cities being added to the Emirates network, and the new services are aimed to meet an expected surge in travel to South Africa in the coming year.

The FIFA World Cup - which Emirates is an Official Partner of - is just one of many sporting events being held there and the inaugural flight to Durban on 1st October will give Emirates passengers three travel options, including Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Luanda, the airline's other new destination this year, scheduled to come online on 2nd August, will increase access to Angola's emerging tourism market and facilitate the travel requirements of the thousands of migrant workers in Angola, many of whom have been attracted to Africa's second largest oil-producing nation by the oil-led boom.