Wilmington International Airport Honored with Airports Council International-North America’s Public Relations Programs Award

On Dec. 17, the Wilmington International Airport received the Airports Council International North America’s (ACI-NA) Public Relations Programs Award (small airports), during the Airports Council International–North America (ACI-NA) 2020 Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communications, and Customer Service Awards program. 

Since its formation in 1990, the Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communications and Customer Experience Awards have recognized the quality of work, abundance of talent, and creativity within the marketing, communications, and customer experience field of the airport industry. This year, ACI-NA received nearly 270 entries from airports across the U.S. and Canada. 

The Overall Public Relations Program category recognizes overall approaches to airport public relations and media relations. This is a planned effort to improve the airport’s image in the public eye. This award is given in three categories: Large Airport, Medium Airport, and Small Airport. The 2020 winners for Overall Public Relations Programs were the Los Angeles International Airport (large airports), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (medium airports), and Wilmington International Airport (small airports). 

Kevin M. Burke, ACI-NA president and CEO, announced the ILM’s award during the virtual ceremony. A video tribute recognized that “Wilmington International Airport’s Thanks a Million campaign celebrated the airport’s milestone of serving a record breaking 1 million passengers in 2019. The strategic effort sought to create and maintain a favorable airport image among travelers and the community by showing appreciation and bringing a sense of shared celebration to their customers. The festive campaign reinforced Wilmington’s commitment to being a friendly and personable airport. Celebratory signage, pop up events and surprise giveaways occurred. Airport staff and volunteer ambassadors personally shared their appreciation, handed out giveaways, and connected with travelers and key stakeholders.” 

“It's an honor to receive this prestigious award from ACI-NA. Thanks a Million to all the staff, volunteers, and partners that collaborated on this project and to our business and leisure travelers that fly ILM. It’s because of you that we were able to reach and celebrate this special milestone,” stated Donna Girardot, airport authority chair.