Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2013-11-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Etihad Airways’ Corporate Affairs department last night won the coveted in-house team of the year at the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) awards ceremony.
The award win was announced at a gala dinner in Dubai which brought the region’s leading public relations and communications figures together for an evening to recognise best industry practice.
“Communications is a core element of our business and this award win is testament to the hard work and dedication that we have invested to further enhance our reputation in core markets, at home and internationally,” said Michael Venus, Vice President Corporate Affairs, Etihad Airways.
“The airline has just been through its busiest year to date, and during that time we have successfully handled communications around a series of major initiatives, including equity investments and a US$ 67 billion fleet order for up to 199 new aircraft. Our rapid growth has seen us become a source of frequent news and activity, and we are proud of the communications operation we have in place to manage the significant media focus on Etihad Airways.”
Over the last 15 months, the department has rebuilt its corporate communications strategy and processes, focusing on core areas including social media, internal communications and corporate social responsibility. It has also grown its global agency network into key new markets.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2012 carried 10.3 million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad Airways offers flights to 97 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas, with a fleet of 87 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and over 220 aircraft on firm order, including 71 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 25 Boeing 777-X, 62 Airbus A350s, and 10 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. Etihad Airways holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia, Aer Lingus and Jet Airways. Subject to regulatory approval, Etihad Airways will launch a new airline brand in Q1 2014, Etihad Regional, after taking a 33.3 per cent stake in Swiss carrier Darwin Airline. The airline will also acquire 49 per cent of Air Serbia from January 2014. For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com
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