Etihad Airways Leaves Skytrax

Etihad Airways is leaving Skytrax, a website that releases airline and airport rankings and reviews, after reviewing the criteria and measurement of its airline rating system.

Etihad, which was placed 7th on Skytrax top 10 best airlines list in 2013, announced on Sunday that it has sent a letter to withdraw from Skytrax, including the Skytrax World Airline Awards and the Skytrax Audit.

“The measurement of customer satisfaction and feedback is important to Etihad Airways,” the airline said in a statement.

In 2012, five complaints were filed with the UK Advertising Standards Authority against Skytrax.

Etihad is rated as a four-star alliance by Skytrax and took out Skytrax’s Best First Class, Best First Class Seats and Best First Class Catering awards in 2013.

“The Skytrax World Airline Awards represent a global benchmark for airline excellence because they go straight to the source — the traveller, said Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, last year.

The airline will no longer be eligible for future Skytrax World Airline Awards.