Bangkok--21 Apr--Total Quality PR
Etihad Airways’ unique ‘Inspired by Sougha’ amenity bags have picked up the award for ‘Ethically Sustainable Amenity Kit’ at the annual Travelplus gala awards ceremony held yesterday in Hamburg.
The Airline Amenity Bag Awards 2013 celebrate the airline industry’s best onboard comfort and hospitality products and the innovation, creativity and design of airlines and their suppliers.
More than 120 submissions and entries in 20 categories were judged using a strict set of criteria covering trend, pleasure, luxury, usability and style.
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.
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.
“Our partnership with the Khalifa Fund has helped us to promote the diverse artistic heritage of the United Arab Emirates on a global stage, and to simultaneously empower local craftsmen and women in their communities. We are delighted to receive the Travelplus Award in recognition of this.”
The new amenity bags are offered in Diamond First, Pearl Business and Coral Economy Class cabins and feature patterns of Sadou, a colourful, intricate and centuries-old Abu Dhabi weaving craft traditionally used on blankets, cushions and Bedouin tents.
Diamond First Class kits feature exclusive products by luxury New York brand Le Labo, while Pearl Business Class kits feature all-natural products by Athens-based brand, Korres.