Etihad Airways Wins at Travelplus Awards

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has picked up two coveted Travelplus Awards for its unique ‘Inspired by Sougha’ amenity bags and its new all-natural First Class COCO-MAT bedding.

The airline won the awards for ‘Ethically Sustainable Amenity Kit’ and ‘In-Flight Amenity-Gift’ at the annual Travelplus gala awards ceremony held yesterday in Hamburg.

The Airline Amenity Bag Awards 2013 celebrate the best onboard comfort and hospitality products in the airline industry, and the innovation, creativity and design of both the airlines and their onboard suppliers. Over 120 submissions and entries in 20 categories were judged using a strict set of criteria covering trend, pleasure, luxury, usability and style.

Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Sougha means ‘a traveller’s gift’ in Arabic and we introduced our new amenity kits to provide something uniquely Arabian to our guests, and more importantly, as a way of supporting and celebrating local Emirati craftsmanship on a global stage. 

“To also receive an award for our Diamond First Class COCO-MAT bedding so soon after we introduced it onboard is a testament to the high standards of this unique all-natural product. Guest feedback has been universally positive, and Etihad Airways will continue to place great emphasis on providing the best sleep in the air.”

Launched in February this year, the new kits are the result of Etihad Airways’ partnership with Sougha, a social enterprise initiative launched by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, which aims to preserve Emirati traditions and promote local artisans.

The new amenity bags are offered in Diamond First, Pearl Business and Coral Economy cabins and feature patterns of Sadou, a colourful, intricate and centuries-old Abu Dhabi weaving craft traditionally used on blankets, cushions and Bedouin tents.

Exclusive COCO-MAT multi-layered mattresses, made from extracts of the Hevea tree, and large down feather duvets and pillows were introduced in the airline’s Diamond First Class suites in March of this year. Etihad Airways is the only airline to offer this bespoke product onboard. Athens-based COCO-MAT is widely considered the world’s leading manufacturer of sustainably sourced sleep products.