OREANDA-NEWS. Aeroflot became the winner of the National Business Award Company of the Year 2013 in the Transport category. The ceremony was held on December, 11 at Lotte Hotel Moscow.

Company of the Year is one of Russia's most prestigious annual business awards. Winners are chosen by a special advisory council consisting of government representatives, influential community and business leaders. The award was established in 2002 under the patronage of the Ministry of Economic Development; its laureates get priority status for investment projects.

Expert council recognized Aeroflot's active service improvement, consolidation of the Russian aviation industry, introduction of new technology in all the areas of industrial and commercial activities and other achievements. In 2013, Aeroflot set a new record in the history of modern Russia carrying over 20 million passengers during the year (over 31 million passengers as Aeroflot Group). Aeroflot continues to implement the reorganisation strategy of its subsidiary airlines. This autumn, the first flight of the Far Eastern airline Aurora was completed. The creation of the first Russian low-cost carrier Dobrolet was announced shortly before that. Aeroflot was the first Russian airline to become the Official Carrier of the renowned football club Manchester United. The airline has one of the youngest fleet in Europe and the largest Mission Control Centre in Eastern Europe. The Russian flag carrier successfully operates its own unique Aviation School and the Situation Center. Aeroflot's success was marked by numerous airline industry trophies and prestigious international awards.

In 2013, Aeroflot received its sixth Company of the Year award. In 2002, the airline got it in the Mass Market Services category, while in 2005, 2007, 2010 and 2012 it was awarded in the Transport category.

Сelebrating its 90-th anniversary in 2013, Aeroflot is Russia's flagship airline and the largest national air company. Proudly being a member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance, Aeroflot with its partnering members provides service to more than 1000 destinations in 178 countries. Aeroflot operates one of the most modern and youngest fleets in Europe counting 141 aircraft formed by Airbus, Boeing and Sukhoi airliners with an average airplane age between five and six years old. In 2012 Aeroflot carried 17.7 million passengers (27.5 million passengers as Aeroflot Group), continuously showing the best results in modern Russia's history. In June 2013 Aeroflot was for the second time awarded by SKYTRAX as The Best Airline in Eastern Europe.