Emirates surprised its passengers when it achieved a hat-trick of prestigious awards over the past two weeks. The readers of Condé Nast Traveller (UK) magazine voted it “Favourite Business Airline”, whilst the readers of Business Traveller UK and Business Traveller Asia-Pacific magazines chose to name it “Best Middle Eastern Airline” and “Best Middle East/Africa Airline” respectively.

The Dubai-based international airline received the Condé Nast Traveller “Favourite Business Airline” award for the second year running, at a ceremony held at London’s Claridges Hotel.

The airline also made its mark in the “Long-Haul Leisure Airline” category, where its was placed third, and its luxury UK tour operator, Emirates Tours, was featured amongst the Top 20 in the “Best Tour Operator” category.

The Business Traveller UK Awards 2006 were held at London’s Hilton Park Lane Hotel, where Emirates was honoured as the “Best Middle Eastern Airline”. The award was presented by astronaut Dr Buzz Aldrin, who was a guest on Emirates’ inaugural passenger service from Dubai to New York in June 2004.

The airline was also a finalist in the “Best Overall Carrier”, “Best Long Haul Carrier”, “Best First Class” and “Best Economy Class” categories.

Emirates also received the accolade of “Best Middle East/Africa Airline” at the Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards 2006, in a ceremony held at Hong Kong’s Conrad Hotel.

Emirates flies to over 80 destinations in more than 55 countries. The airline operates five flights weekly from Malta to Dubai via Larnaca, Cyprus, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday on A330-200.