UK’S EASTERN AIRWAYS FINALLY STRIKES GOLD

29/09/2006

Eastern Airways has been crowned the GOLD winner of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) Airline of the Year Award.

The UK Humberside-based carrier which won the Silver accolade in 2003 and 2004 was presented with the Gold trophy at a prestigious Awards Dinner held yesterday evening at the Association’s annual General Assembly in Barcelona. The trophy was presented by Filippo Bagnato, CEO of Award sponsor ATR.

The Silver Award went to Aegean Airlines of Greece, while the Bronze Award was won by SAS subsidiary, Blue1.

Commenting on Eastern Airways’ win, the judging panel said: “The management of Eastern Airways has proved with courage, creativity and persistence that a small, high-quality airline can successfully survive in an environment dominated by powerful competitors.” The panel also noted Eastern’s dynamic approach to industry lobbying, both through its participation in ERA and through its own independent activities. Commitment on technical side, operations and marketing was also noted for being particularly outstanding.

The award was presented to Eastern’s joint owners: Chairman, Bryan Huxford and Managing Director, Richard Lake. The airline carries 700,000 passengers a year using Jetstream and Saab aircraft.

Silver winner Aegean Airlines was commended by the judges for its “constant growth of turnover, EBIT and profit, strong and active promotional strategy, efforts on environmental and security strategy and for its active participation in ERA and governmental lobbying activities”. COO, Antonis Simgdalas received the Award.

In the judges’ opinion, Blue1 has: “Managed to establish itself as a solid number two in the Finnish market thanks to strategic flexibility, a high-quality product and the unrivalled determination of its management and shareholder.” A 28% growth in passenger numbers combined with zero capacity growth also impressed the panel. CEO, Stefan Wentjärvi and VP Corporate Communications & Government Affairs, Tom Christides, accepted the trophy.

Judging for the ERA Airline of the Year awards is carried out by a panel of leading aviation journalists, representing a range of different nationalities across Europe. The journalists are selected for their knowledge of the industry and their expertise within the intra-European air transport sector.

ENDS