Emirates named airline of the year

Since launching service in 1985, Emirates has grown into one of the largest and most dynamic airlines in the world and has transformed Dubai into a major connecting hub for global air travel. It is also a leader in developing flexible air routings that save fuel and reduce CO2 emissions.

The editors noted that Emirates was the first airline to introduce personal seatback entertainment units and the first to enable passengers to make authorized onboard mobile phone calls. Its Airbus A380s feature showers for first class passengers.

The editors selected Spain's Air Nostrum as the Regional Airline of the Year, citing its superb safety record and longstanding commitment to delivering excellent customer service. The editors applauded Air Nostrum's sterling financial performance including 13 consecutive years of profitability through 2008 as it grew to become Europe's second-largest independent regional airline. Additionally, the editors were impressed by Air Nostrum's swift and decisive response to the 2009 downturn in the Spanish economy that has positioned the carrier for renewed success going forward.

The Aviation Technology Achievement Award was presented to GE Aviation for the development of the GE90, the world's most powerful aircraft engine family and the exclusive powerplant for Boeing's largest and longest-range versions of the 777. As the first commercial powerplant to feature a composite fan blade, the GE90 broke new ground in engine technology and is among the most fuel efficient and reliable engines in service today. The 115,000-lb. thrust version of the GE90 has no equal in the world.

Virgin America received the Passenger Service Award. Since launching service in 2007, the San Francisco-based airline has raised the bar for passenger service in North America with its stylish, high-tech product featuring leather seats and cabin mood lighting. Passengers can enjoy 18 channels of live TV, up to 30 on-demand pay per view movies, Wi-Fi and a music library containing 3,000 MP3s. They can order food from their seats via their interactive video screens.

Turkish Airlines received the Market Leadership Award. The Istanbul-based airline has taken full advantage of its hub astride the historic East-West trade routes to become Europe's fastest growing network airline and among the world's most profitable carriers, with income of $370 million in 2009. Earnings through the first nine months of 2010 totaled $169 million. The airline's route network covers 169 destinations, up from 101 in 2003.

The Phoenix Award, acknowledging airlines that have gone through a life-changing transformation, was presented to Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings for its highly successful turnaround to achieve consistent profitability and operational reliability. Even as the global air cargo market severely contracted in 2009, Atlas boosted net income 22%, following a strategy focused on cost-cutting and operating efficiency rather than sheer size.

For the second time, Seattle-based Alaska Airlines was selected to receive the Airline Technology Leadership Award owing to its extensive track record of innovation in cockpit, safety and customer service technology and systems, such as Required Navigation Performance and the Airport of the Future in Anchorage and Seattle that has led to dramatic reductions in passenger check-in times.

The awards will be presented on February 8 in Washington, D.C., at ATW's gala dinner and celebration at the Renaissance Hotel. Further information about the award winners is available in the February issue of ATW and at www.atwonline.com.