A total of 47 airlines have received nominations, ranging from industry leaders such as Virgin Atlantic and United Airlines to smaller fleets such as Air Tahiti Nui and Croatia Airlines.  Leading the field is Singapore Airlines with eight nominations, with US based Continental Airlines close behind with seven nominations.

The winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony on Tuesday 14 May at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London. The event will celebrate the very best in global air travel and publicly recognise the highest standards within the industry. 

Eddie Bell, Chairman of OAG said: “This has been an extremely testing year for the aviation industry, especially in the aftermath of 11 September. We have been working closely with the airlines to ensure that any schedule changes have been communicated quickly and efficiently. These Awards will provide a fitting opportunity for us to demonstrate our continuing support and for the industry itself to celebrate its achievements and strengths.”

Last year's winner Virgin Atlantic has been short-listed again in the prestigious Airline of the Year category.  The other short-listed nominees in this category are Emirates, British Airways, Singapore Airlines and Continental Airlines.  Virgin Atlantic and British Airways are also among the nominees in the Best Executive/Business Class category.

The budget airlines have not been overlooked either with easyJet, Go, Jetblue, Ryanair and Southwest Airlines nominated in the Best Low Cost Airline category.

Notes to Editors:

The awards are based on a questionnaire completed by a worldwide audience of OAG frequent business travellers, with results independently verified by research company, Taylor Nelson Sofres.  

For table bookings or further event information please contact Lesley Morris, Events Manager, OAG Worldwide Ltd, Church Street, Luton, Beds, LU5 4HB, UK. Telephone: +44 (0)1582 695384, Fax: +44 (0)1582 695461, E-mail lmorris@oag.com 

Shortlist

Airline of the Year 2002
British Airways, Continental Airlines, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic

Best Airline Based in Western Europe
Aer Lingus, Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic

Best Airline Based in Eastern Europe
Aeroflot Russian International Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Czech Airlines, MALEV Hungarian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines

Best Airline Based in Asia
All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines

Best Airline Based in Central/South America/Caribbean
Aeromexico, Aerolineas Argentinas, LAN Chile, Tam Linhas Aereas, VARIG

Best Airline Based in North America
American Airlines, Air Canada, Continental Airlines, Midwest Express Airlines, United Airlines

Best Airline Based in Australasia/Pacific
Ansett Australia, Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, Qantas Airways, Virgin Blue

Best Airline Based in the Middle East/Indian Sub-Continent
Air India, EL AL Israel Airlines, Emirates, Gulf Air, Jet Airways

Best Airline Based in Africa
Air Mauritius, Egyptair, Kenya Airways, Royal Air Maroc, SouthAfrican Airways

Best Europe-Far East/Australasia Airline
Air France, British Airways, Qantas Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines

Best Trans-Pacific Airline
Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific Airways, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Singapore Airlines

Best Trans-Atlantic Airline
Air Canada, British Airways, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic

Best International First Class
American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines

Best Executive/Business Class
British Airways, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines

Best Economy/Coach Class
Air Canada, Emirates, Midwest Express Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic

Best Frequent Flyer Programme
Air Canada, Continental Airlines, Qantas Airways, Scandinavian Airlines System, United Airlines

Best Low Cost Airline
easyJet, Go, JetBlue, Ryanair, Southwest Airlines

Best Airline Web Site
Air Canada, Cathay Pacific Airways, Continental Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines

Best Airport
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Dallas Fort Worth, Pittsburgh International,
Singapore Changi, Tampa International