AIR Convention Europe, held in Vilnius, Lithuania, has announced the winners of the bi-annual commercial aviation industry competition – Aviation Industry Awards.
Over two months, people were casting their votes in order to identify the most influential industry players under the two sections: Business and Innovation. Based on 150,000 votes, out of thirty second-round finalists, ten companies were hailed as winners.
The first nomination of the evening – Aircraft Manufacturer of the year – aimed to honor the manufacturer with the most outstanding products and services portfolio. Three manufacturers – Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier – made it to the last round of voting, after which Airbus was recognized as the best.
In the Airport of the year nomination, three nominees went to the second round: George Best Belfast City Airport, Greater Toronto Airports Authority, and Heathrow Airport. After intense competition, the award went to George Best Belfast City Airport.
Lufthansa was named the Long Haul Carrier of the year, while Wizz Air took home the Low-Cost of the year award. Both nominations reward airlines that have significantly mastered their performance throughout the year, had the biggest expansion and attracted lots of employees and new clients.
OSM Aviation Academy deservedly became the Pilot Training Center of the year. It was acknowledged for major effort to offer the most promising career opportunities to its graduates after finishing training programs.
The Innovation section celebrated aviation frontiers who are leading the industry forward. Air Italy took the award for the best diversity and inclusion initiative of the year, and the best Eco Product was developed by SAS - Scandinavian Airlines.
Beating Travelliance and FL Technics at the final round of voting, EuroAtlantic Airways – Transportes Aéreos won the award for Breakthrough of the year.
Air Italy came up to the stage for the second time to take back the award for the most captivating marketing project, while OSM Aviation also had to climb the steps twice, as the company was recognized for their Step forward in aviation training.
“Every year, Aviation Industry Awards honor excellence in the world of commercial aviation”, said CEO of AIR Convention, Mindaugas Gumauskas. “Together with this year’s winners, we get inspired by the products they make and try to do our best to spread our word about their amazing achievements”.
