AEGEAN TAKES GOLD AWARD FOR SECOND TIME

10/10/2008

Aegean Airlines is the winner of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) Airline of the Year 2008/9 GOLD Award. It is the second time the carrier has been presented with the prestigious GOLD Award, and the fifth ERA Accolade it has received in the last five years.

The Greek airline which previously won the GOLD Award in 2004 and the Palme d’Or Honour in 2005, was presented with the trophy by Mr Stéphane Mayer, CEO of Award sponsor ATR at the ERA annual Awards Dinner yesterday evening in Manchester, UK.

The Silver Award went to CityJet of Ireland, while the Bronze Award was won by Norwegian carrier, Widerøe’s Flyveselskap.

The judges noted Aegean Airlines’ listing on the Athens stock exchange in July 2007 as a major achievement, raising significant financing for future fleet development. Its strong net profit in the face of a deteriorating market climate and rising fuel prices, its addition of new, more environmentally efficient aircraft to its fleet, continued network expansion and a high level of customer satisfaction were other factors that impressed the judges.

The Award was presented to Mr Giovanni Matassa, commercial director, Mr Thanos Pascalis, technical director and Mr Costas Alexandrou, sales manager international. Aegean operates a fleet of 9 A320s, 2 A321s, 1 B737-300s, 9 B737-400 and 6 BAe Systems AVRO RJ 100 jets. The airline carried 5.2 million passengers in 2007.

Silver winner CityJet was commended by the judges for its clear business strategy allowing it to continue its bold and robust network expansion at London City Airport, and still achieve continued solid financial performance and profit development. CEO Geoffrey O’Byrne-White accepted the Award.

Exemplary crisis management during the grounding of the SAS Q400 fleet, which led to enhanced public opinion, improved profits and sustained high performance levels, clinched Wideroe the Bronze prize. Vice President Communication, Richard Kongsteien received the Award.

The judging panel comprises senior industry experts including past CEOs of European airlines and independent aviation journalists from a variety of European countries. 

ENDS