Singapore Airlines Named Airline of the Year by Air Transport World Magazine
1/28/2008
NEW YORK (January 28, 2008) - Penton Media's Air Transport World, the leading monthly magazine covering the global airline industry, today announced the selection of Singapore Airlines as its Airline of the Year for 2008. SIA was recognized for its superb safety record, exemplary commitment to operational excellence, and customer service and strong financial performance. The awards will be presented on February 18, in Singapore at Air Transport World's gala awards dinner at Swisshotel Singapore -The Stamford.
The editors of ATW applauded SIA's history-making commercial introduction of the Airbus A380, the world's largest commercial passenger aircraft. SIA donated all ticket revenues from its innovative online auction of seats on the first A380 flight to charity. The editors also cited SIA's Singapore Airlines Suites, which have raised the bar for ultra-premium airline service, as well as the airline's $360 million investment in upgrading all cabin classes of its long haul international aircraft.
Indianapolis, Indiana-based Republic Airways was named Regional Airline of the Year. Republic, which operates as a partner of American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier, United Airlines and US Airways, has posted 29 consecutive quarters of profitable operations while its unblemished safety record underlines its commitment to operational excellence. Republic increased revenues tenfold between 2000 and 2007, while its regional jet fleet increased from 18 aircraft to more than 200 over the period.
Air New Zealand received the Passenger Service Award. In choosing ANZ, the editors recognized both the airline's physical product and the service delivered by ANZ staff. The carrier's new Business Premier and Pacific Premium Economy products have been extremely well-received. And, in a recent survey, 95% of ANZ customers said they would recommend the carrier.
Malaysia Airlines was presented with the Phoenix Award, which recognizes airlines that have gone through a life-changing transformation. MAS came within months of shutting down in 2006 due to financial losses, but turned itself around through a restructuring program that contributed to record earnings for the first nine months of 2007, without affecting its reputation for excellent service.
Star Alliance, an international marketing partnership between 19 airlines around the world, received the Market Leadership Award. This is the first time ATW has recognized a global airline alliance. Star, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2007, continues to set the standard for constructing a seamless travel product for passengers. The alliance was founded in 1997 by Lufthansa, United Airlines, Air Canada, Scandinavian Airlines and Thai Airways and also includes two of this year's award winners, Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand.
Airservices Australia, Australia's air navigation services provider, received the Aviation Technology Achievement Award, recognizing the organization's leadership in a number of crucial areas affecting air traffic management, safety and the environment. These include its participation in the first commercial aircraft landing, with passengers onboard, using the GNSS Global Landing System.
The Joseph S. Murphy Industry Service Award was presented to the Flight Safety Foundation.
Named for ATW's late founder, the award recognizes the highest level of dedication to the world air transport community. The not-for-profit Flight Safety Foundation was recognized for its efforts to improve the safety of commercial flight.
For additional information on ATW's 34th Annual Industry Achievement Awards, contact Perry Flint, editorial director of Air Transport World at 1-(301) 650-2420 x111 or e-mail pflint@penton.com.
Air Transport World (www.ATWOnline.com) is the leading monthly magazine serving the airline and commercial aircraft manufacturing and support industries. It launched its awards program in 1974. ATW is published by Penton Media.
Penton Media, Inc. is the largest independent business-to-business media company in the U.S., serving more than six million business professionals every month. The company's market-leading brands are focused on 30 industries and include 113 trade magazines, 145 Web sites, 150 industry trade shows and conferences, and more than 500 information data products. Headquartered in New York City, the privately held company is owned by MidOcean Partners and U.S. Equity Partners II, an investment fund sponsored by Wasserstein & Co., LP, and its co-investors. For additional information on the company and its businesses, visit www.penton.com.
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