Thursday, January 14, 2010

Air New Zealand, Rex named Airlines of the Year



Air Transport World has named Air New Zealand as its Airline of the Year for 2010.

The aviation magazine said the airline was being honored “for its superb commitment to safety and operational excellence, typified by the use of Performance Based Navigation cockpit technology at weather and terrain challenged destinations, and for its superb and groundbreaking customer service that combines high-tech, passenger-friendly IT systems with high-touch and caring staff”.

The editors further cited, “Air New Zealand's sterling financial performance and fiscal management during one of the most turbulent periods in aviation history”.

They also were strongly impressed with the airline's leadership role in addressing environmental challenges facing the industry, including conducting the world's first sustainable biofuel flight.

“As most of our international visitors travel to New Zealand by air, it is a huge advantage for a country like New Zealand to be served by an airline that is recognised as offering a top quality service,” said Tourism New Zealand acting chief executive, Tim Hunter

In another coup for Australia, Regional Express was named Regional Airline of the Year.


“Rex, as it is known locally, is recognised for its superior safety record and operational excellence, demonstrated by outstanding punctuality and flight completion,” said ATW.

The editors also applauded the "Rex Virtuous Cycle" model in which Rex competes against itself by adding capacity as load factors rise, causing fares to fall.

“As a result, enplanements have doubled over the past five years, while airfares have dropped 30 percent, excluding fuel levies; and it earns consistently high marks in consumer polls.”

"Rex's strategy rewards shareholders, too: It has been profitable for the last six years," said ATW.

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