Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates has been voted Best Long-Haul Airline at this year’s Business Travel Awards. The award recognizes the growth of the airline during the past 12 months, as well as its continued investment in world class products and excellence ion customer service standards.

The Abu Dhabi based airline picked up the award at a glittering ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, attended by representatives from across the travel industry.

The judges comprised of senior buyers and leading business travel journalists, recognized Etihad’s remarkable growth during 2009, which included the privatization opportunities across Africa. On the second day, Africa investor will host the first Infrastructure and Tourism Investment Roundtable with the Government of Zimbabwe to showcase their portfolio of privatization, infrastructure tourism and mining investment opportunities for the first time.

Commenting on the Summit, Hubert Danso Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Africa investor said; “ We have a host of bankable investment opportunities to showcase at the Summit and are therefore very pleased with the investor confirmations all of whom are active infrastructure and tourism investors.”

Confirmed institutions include African Export Import Bank, the Development Bank of Southern addition of eight new routes to the Etihad network, as well as the launch of the airline’s new first class product and the airline’s Inspired Service strategy – a concept built on Etihad’s vision to be the best airline in the world.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways chief commercial officer said: “It has been another strong year for Etihad and the award win shows that our continued investment in product and service is the right focus for us and for our customers. We are delighted to be recognized by our peers in this ways.”

The Best Long–Haul Airline award follow the World’s Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards in November 2009 and Skytrax Best Business Class and Business Catering accolades in April 2009. In 2008 Etihad also received a raft of awards at the World Travel Awards; Middle East World Travel Awards; Business Traveller (Middle East) Awards and Pan Arab Web awards.