Newcastle Airport wins two top industry awards
Posted on December 12th, 2009
Newcastle Airport is reveling in the news it has one two major awards in the airline industry in the space of just 24 hours. Newcastle Airport was named the most punctual airport in the UK by the Civil Aviation Authority.
This came after they were announced as the best airport in the country at a travel industry awards ceremony in London. The British Air Transport Association (BATA) voted Newcastle International Airport the UK’s best airport. The award is even more significant as BATA members include some of the world’s leading airlines and tour operators.
Roger Wiltshire who is the general secretary of BATA explained why Newcastle Airport won the award: “Airlines, like most customers, are a demanding bunch. They like their airports to be responsive, commercially-minded and, of course, cost-effective.
“All three airports on the shortlist were seen this way by UK airlines. In the end, Newcastle took the prize for being, in the words of one airline ‘a really good partnership airport’.”
Newcastle Airport chief executive Dave Laws was particularly pleased to win the award saying: “These awards are decided by the travel industry and to be recognised by your business partners says a lot.
“As we come out of the recession, the airport is absolutely vital and when you think we are being told there is no money to upgrade road or rail services, we have got to get behind the airport to ensure the businesses in this region have the connectivity they need.”
Alan Clarke, who is chief executive of regional development agency One North East said: “This is great news for Newcastle International Airport and is an important accolade in terms of its potential to support future new investment from airlines and operators.
“By securing exciting routes such as the Emirates flight to Dubai and beyond, the airport has helped North East England, not only to attract international visitors, but also opening up new trade opportunities for the region’s businesses.
“The tourism sector is now worth £4bn to the regional economy and the continued success of Newcastle International Airport is making an important contribution to that.”
Airlines were also quick to congratulate Newcastle Airport. Angela Cook, airport manager for British Airways at Newcastle, said, “This is wonderful news for Newcastle International Airport. We truly believe they deserve to win such a prestigious award; we have enjoyed a long, successful and positive working relationship with Newcastle for the benefit of millions of passengers enjoying our Heathrow service.”
Mike Rutter, chief commercial officer of Flybe, said, “Our sincere congratulations to the entire Newcastle Airport team headed by Dave Laws, who is particularly deserving of this award for having consistently led with complete distinction.”
Frank Pullman, Managing Director of Thomas Cook Airlines said, “Newcastle Airport is very popular with our customers, so much so, that we have introduced two new flights for next summer to Izmir in Turkey and Burgas in Bulgaria.”
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Related posts:
- New firm moves near to Newcastle Airport boosting local industry
- Newcastle Airport achieves top marks for punctuality
- Jet2.com announce new route to Tunisia from Newcastle International Airport
- New RyanAir route from Newcastle Airport
- Newcastle Airport will be affected by BA strikes
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