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CONTINENTAL TAKES COVETED BEST EXECUTIVE CLASS AWARD
Last night, Thursday April 10, Midwest Airlines was named the Best Airline based in North America at the OAG Airline of the Year Awards 2003. The glittering ceremony at the Park Lane Hilton, London, marking the 21st anniversary of the awards was attended by a number of senior figures from the aviation industry.
Continental Airlines won the prestigious Best Executive/Business Class Award, and was nominated for eight other titles including Airline of the Year. Southwest Airlines, once again, fought off stiff competition from the likes of JetBlue and easyJet to win the Best Low Cost Airline - a title it has held since the category was introduced three years ago.
Air Canada retained its title of Best Frequent Flyer Program and also scooped Best Airline Website, and LanChile won Best Airline based in Central/South America & Caribbean.
In his keynote speech, Eddie Bell, Chairman of OAG, praised the resilience of the industry in the face of the current conflict in Iraq. He stressed the importance of the aviation industry for international trade.
The Outstanding Service Award, presented to airline or airport staff who have acted above and beyond the call of duty was awarded to Hana Peskova, of CSA Czech Airlines. Hana was nominated for her efforts to help the people of Prague during the massive floods last August.
Bill Andres, Senior Vice President, OAG Americas commenting on the Awards said:
“The OAG Airline of the Year Awards are an opportunity for us to publicly recognize and celebrate the highest standards in global air travel industry.
OAG has been a friend and colleague of the airlines for more than 70 years. These awards provide a fitting opportunity for us to demonstrate our continuing support through these difficult times.”
It was an excellent year for the Asia Pacific region. In addition to winning the prestigious Airline of the Year title, Singapore Airlines took home five other awards. These included Best International First Class, Best Economy/Coach Class and Best Europe to Far East/Australasia Airline. Singapore’s Changi Airport took the title of Best Airport for the eighth consecutive year in the face of strong competition from Pittsburgh International and Hong Kong International.
In total 47 airlines and 5 airports competed for 19 regional and global awards. For the full list of winners, click here.
Notes to Editors
The awards are based on votes polled from a worldwide audience of business travellers who subscribe to OAG printed flight guides and electronic travel planning tools and support services. Results are collected and independently verified by market information company, Taylor Nelson Sofres.
For more information, please contact Dana Kessler at 312-970-5805. |
