The CAPA Aviation Executive of the Year is awarded to the executive who has had the greatest individual influence on the aviation industry, demonstrating outstanding strategic thinking and innovative direction for the growth of the business and the industry. 

CAPA Executive Chairman, Peter Harbison, who presented James Hogan with the award, said: “The Gulf carriers have progressively disturbed the global airline equilibrium over recent years, and 2012 has seen a rapid escalation of this process. None has been more distinctive and mould-changing than Etihad Airways, under the leadership of James Hogan. 

James Hogan said he was deeply honoured to receive the award, particularly at this point in the airline’s brief nine-year history. “This award is a powerful endorsement of the airline’s ‘game-changing’ strategy of building strong bilateral partnerships with airlines the world over. Partnerships and equity investments have been, and continue to be, key to achieving scale and strengthening our competitive position. Our codeshares, for example, with 41 partner airlines expand our network of destinations to 327 major cities – more than any other Middle Eastern carrier.” 

James Hogan acknowledged the support of the airline’s shareholder and board of directors. “Etihad Airways would not have achieved its commercial success or best-in-class ranking without the vision and leadership of this important group of stakeholders. 

“From the Government's ambitious vision for the future – the landmark Abu Dhabi 2030 Plan – to the backing of the Board for continuing investment in new technology, facilities and services, Etihad Airways is well-supported in its commercial endeavours.”