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HONOURS GRANTED TO AER ARANN & MAURICIO BOTELHO
29/09/2006
Aer Arann became the second airline to receive the ERA Palme d’Or Honour for sustained excellence last night at the era2006 Awards Dinner in Barcelona, Spain.
Padraig O’Ceidigh, Executive Chairman of the Irish carrier was presented with the Honour by Mike Ambrose, director general of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA).
Introduced in 2004, the Palme d’Or is a special distinction designed to recognise sustained excellence over a number of years for ERA airlines and airports. It is separate from the annual Awards Programme, but consideration for eligibility is open only to airlines and airports which have previously entered the Awards. Once an airline or airport has entered the order of the Palme d’Or, they are entitled to hold the Honour in perpetuity. Air Nostrum of Spain and London City Airport are the only other holders of the ERA Palme d’Or.
Commenting on Aer Arann’s success, Mike Ambrose commented: “This airline has been outstanding in its business performance and has produced consistently good results despite facing very strong and focused challenges by Europe’s most powerful and ruthless low fare airline. The spirit of the airline is embodied in the character of its past CEO and now Executive Chairman, Padraig O’Ceidigh, and reflects his down-to-earth pragmatism and energy.”
Mauricio Botelho, outgoing President and CEO of Embraer, received the ERA Director General’s Commendation for Services to the Industry. In presenting the Award, Mike Ambrose commented: “Mauricio’s efforts have had a profound effect on Europe, the USA and everywhere else regional communities need air travel. His company's products have raised customer expectations: they have also been an added stimulus to all aircraft manufacturers for their betterment and the betterment of the world's airline customers. He leaves this industry in the near future knowing that, through his personal dedication and commitment, he has enlarged travel concepts and provided worthy challenges to his competitors. In doing so, he has changed the world’s perception of the industrial capabilities and skills of his own country.”
ENDS
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