Local airlines Air New Zealand and Regional Express (Rex) have been recognised by industry magazine Air Transport World’s Industry Achievement Awards for 2010, with Air New Zealand being named Airline of the Year, Rex Regional Airline of the Year.
ATW recognised Air New Zealand for its commitment to safety and operational performance, and customer service that featured user friendly IT systems and caring staff. Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe responded to the news by announcing that all Air NZ employees would be granted an extra day’s leave to celebrate the achievement.
“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.”
Meanwhile, ATW praised Rex for the strength of its business model that emphasised frequency and low fares, the airline’s six consecutive years of profitability, and lack of debt.
“In the 36 year history of the awards, this is only the second time that an Australian regional airline has received this honour, which had previously been monopolised predominantly by the large American carriers,” Rex executive chairman Lim Kim Hai said. “I am proud to say that the award winner in 1991 was none other than Kendell Airlines, one of the two constituent airlines of Rex.”
The airlines will be presented with their awards in Singapore on February 1 on the eve of the Singapore Airshow.
