KAMPALA, Uganda – Ethiopian Airlines, along with another 14 aviation enterprises, has been recognised as the best regional carrier in Africa writes JOHN SAMBO.

 GabreMariam (in national attire) lines up with crew members to celebrate a Star Alliance innovation
GabreMariam (in national attire) lines up with crew members to celebrate a Star Alliance innovation

According to a statement issued last week, leaders of the global air transport industry will gather in Washington, DC next month to celebrate this year’s winners of Penton’s Air Transport World 41st Airline Industry Achievement Awards.

The 2015 winners include Southwest Airlines (Airline of the Year), Air Astana (Airline Market Leader of the Year), Ethiopian Airlines (Regional Airline of the Year); Spirit Airlines (Value Airline of the Year); Lufthansa (Eco-Airline of the Year); Boeing (Eco-Company of the Year); London Heathrow Airport and Star Alliance (Airport of the Year).

Other winners are L-3 Link Simulation and Training (Aviation Technology Achievement). Additionally, the individual award for Leadership Excellence will be presented to former TSA Administrator John S. Pistole.

The Ethiopian Airlines, CEO Tewolde GebreMariam said, “It is a great honour to receive this prestigious recognition from one of the leading global travel media. Ethiopian continues to register remarkable success, despite the very challenging operating environment in Africa with traffic rights restrictions, infrastructure limitations, much higher jet fuel price than in the rest of the world, and now disease outbreak.”

GebreMariam said, “We owe this award, first and foremost, to the patronage of our customers, who continue to fly with us in record numbers.”

Established in 1974 to recognize excellence in the air transport industry, the ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards are the most coveted honor an airline or individual can receive.

The awards are bestowed upon individuals and organizations that have distinguished themselves through outstanding performance, innovation, and superior service.

The ATW awards are among the most coveted and valued honors in the airline industry. They will be presented by ATW Editors at a gala dinner in Washington, D.C. on February 25th.

Source: Businweek.com