Air New Zealand gains airline 'Oscar'

Air New Zealand has been named in a leading international industry publication as ‘Airline of the Year’ for 2010.
Air Transport World magazine commended Air New Zealand for its innovative use of technology, cutting edge customer service and commitment to environmental research and protection.
The judges acknowledged the Auckland - New Zealand based carrier for its sound financial performance during what has been a difficult year for the industry.
They were also impressed with the airline's leadership in addressing environmental challenges, including conducting the world's first sustainable biofuel flight.

Airline ‘Oscars’
Air New Zealand chief executive Rob Fyfe described the ATW awards - established in 1974 - as the Oscars of the airline industry.

"This is the Oscars, this is the one that everybody focuses on. This is the representation of what the industry thinks of itself," Fyfe said.

"I think it's the best award Air New Zealand has won in its history. The challenge now is to stay here."

The 2010 ATW awards were determined by three judges with decades of industry experience - one from Australia and two from the United States.

It is the first time Air New Zealand has won the top prize. In 2005, Air NZ won the ATW Phoenix award in recognition of its recovery from near collapse in 2001.

Kiwi style
The award vindicates Air New Zealand's emphasis on making the most of its Kiwi style.

"We operate this airline in a New Zealand way - we're not trying to emulate a Singapore Airlines or emulate a McDonald's. We're trying to go out there day in and day out and trying to be authentic Kiwis and give people a real genuine New Zealand experience," Fyfe said.

Fyfe also announced that Air New Zealand would give its 11,000 staff an extra day off to celebrate their part in winning the award.

"It's about our employees but also everyone else connected with Air New Zealand so let's give everyone a day to spend with their families. That's a humble way that we can give something to our people without big noting."

Great honour
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key congratulated Air New Zealand on the award.

"This is a great honour but, then again, no great surprise to those of us who continually experience the service that our national airline delivers," Key said.

Mr Key praised the airline's ingenuity and "commitment to a more environmentally responsible future", but said it was the staff that made the real difference.
Leading visitor destination
Tourism New Zealand acting chief executive Tim Hunter said the win was an outstanding achievement for Air New Zealand and would enhance New Zealand’s reputation as a leading visitor destination.

"New Zealanders know Air New Zealand is a world-class airline committed to innovation, customer care and environmental protection. This award will reinforce to international travellers that our national carrier is among the world’s best."

The Air Transport World awards will be presented on 1 February in Singapore.

Background: Air Transport World
US-based Air Transport World is the leading monthly magazine serving the airline and commercial aircraft manufacturing and support industries. It launched its awards program in 1974.
Air Transport World is published by Penton Media which publishes trade magazines and 145 websites monthly serving more than six million business professionals.