Winners of the 2019 Air Transport World Airline Industry Awards (AKA, the ‘Oscars of the airline industry’) have just been revealed with the awards to be presented in New York in March.
Here is a rundown of who scored big at this year’s awards, including Air New Zealand who just became the first airline in the world to scoop two ATW awards. CONGRATULATIONS.
Eco-Airline of the Year
This award went to Air New Zealand. Judges said “efficiency and sustainability” were part of airline’s DNA. Air New Zealand’s Project Green to reduce waste, its transition to a technologically advanced, renewably powered electric ground vehicle fleet, and its remarkable support for endangered species are among its many eco endeavors.
Passenger Experience Achievement
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This award also wen to Air New Zealand for its enhanced SkyCouch, which turns three economy seats into a couch after takeoff and is a rare example of a comfort option on long-haul travel to passengers in the main cabin.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon said the airline was thrilled to receive two ATW Awards. “Air New Zealand is at the forefront of leadership in sustainability in aviation and has carved out a reputation for innovation and excellence in customer experience. These awards are terrific recognition of the hard work of our people over many years,” he said.
Value Airline of the Year
This was awarded to Spirit Airlines, an ultra-low-cost carrier that has stayed true to its lowest-fares business model while significantly improving on-time and checked bag delivery performance, equipping its entire fleet with Wi-Fi, growing its network and delivering some of the industry’s best financial results.
Airline Market Leader
airBaltic wins again, making it the first airline to win this Award two years running. Building on its 2017 success, airBaltic has continued its fast growth and offers more than 70 connections from all three Baltic capitals, where it now commands a 56% market share. airBaltic saw record passenger numbers and revenue in 2018.
Airport of the Year
This wen to Dallas Fort Worth International, which has managed growth while continuing to add enhancements that ease the passenger’s journey. DFW has transformed into a global mega-hub, investing in new facilities, infrastructure and technologies, but its hybrid use lease agreement model keeps down costs for its airline customers.
Joseph S. Murphy Award
Congratulations to Airlink, a rapid-response humanitarian relief organisation that links airlines with pre-qualified nonprofits. This special Award recognizes the enormous work this small nonprofit has achieved by linking the capabilities and capacity of more than 40 commercial and charter airlines and 80 international nonprofits to get desperately-needed emergency resources to people and places where disasters such as hurricanes, floods and epidemics threaten multiple lives.
Aviation Technology Achievement
This goes to the Airbus A220, a highly efficient and comfortable airliner that is now scoring high marks with airlines worldwide and is embarked on a new trajectory since becoming part of the Airbus portfolio.
Leadership Excellence
This was awarded to William “Bill” Franke, the managing partner of Indigo Partners whose extraordinary career has reshaped modern air transport.
The final 2019 ATW Airline Industry Award for Airline of the Year will be announced later this month.
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