Emirates reaffirms 'Best Middle East Airline' status

Readers of the monthly magazine, Business Traveller UK edition, voted in favour of Emirates, giving it the 'Best First Class' and the 'Best Middle Eastern Airline' trophies at a glittering awards function in London. A week later in Hong Kong, Emirates boosted its impressive title collection by winning the 'Best Middle East/African Airline' award from Business Traveller Asia-Pacific.

These closely follow the industry gongs Emirates received at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards in May 2009, including the coveted 'Best Airline', 'Best Regional Airline' and 'Best First Class' titles.

Business Traveller has ten editions worldwide and is read by corporate travellers, business travel managers and travel agents. The Business Traveller Awards - over 50 awards in the airline, hotel, airport and city categories - are voted for by readers of the magazine and the results are authenticated by an independent audit.

Richard Vaughan, Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide said:

"We are thrilled to receive these ringing endorsements from Business Traveller Awards as these are widely recognised as the industry's benchmark for excellence. For us, the awards clearly reflect a vote of confidence from corporate travellers and our customers, both in the UK and Asia-Pacific who acknowledge and appreciate our continuous drive to deliver high-quality service, even in these challenging times."

He added: "We are particularly proud of our inflight service delivered by an international crew drawn from over 140 nationalities; menus designed by leading chefs and complemented by the finest wines; an award-winning inflight entertainment system; a modern and young aircraft fleet; and a rapidly-expanding network."

Other awards won by Emirates this year include: Best Inflight Entertainment from Skytrax Airline Excellence Awards 2009; Best Website in airline category from Travel d'Or 2009 Awards in France; Best Airline Website from Internet Advertising Awards 2009; and Best Air Cargo Carrier Middle East (for 14th consecutive year) from Cargo News Asia, Hong Kong.