OREANDA-NEWS.   Auckland Airport has announced the winners of its 2014 Airline of the Year Award and 2014 Aeronautical Service Provider Award.

Judy Nicholl, general manager aeronautical operations, says the annual awards recognise excellence by the service providers and airlines at Auckland Airport.

“The Aeronautical Service Provider Award recognises the achievements of government agencies and ground handlers, all of whom play a critical role in the passenger experience and operational success of the airport.”

“The 2014 Aeronautical Service Provider Award winner is the New Zealand Customs Service.  This acknowledges its positive contribution to the implementation of various process improvements and initiatives, including a successful project to optimise the international departures process.”

“Auckland Airport would like to congratulate the New Zealand Customs Service for an outstanding year and thank them for their essential contribution to the successful operation of our airport,” says Ms Nicholl.

Paul Campbell, Group Manager Border Operations, New Zealand Customs Service, says, “We are very pleased to receive this award recognising the collaborative work of personnel from Auckland Airport, Aviation Security, Statistics New Zealand and New Zealand Customs, focused on improving the departures process for passengers while enabling our officers to better deliver the critical elements of their duties”.

The other major award of the evening was the Airline of the Year Award.  Ms Nicholl says this award recognises the introduction of a new product, service or process innovation; measureable improvements to a current product, service or process; commitment to continuous improvement of business operations; and improving the passenger experience at the airport.

“The 2014 Airline of the Year Award winner is China Southern Airlines.  This airline provides a vital link to China, one of the most important markets for the growth of travel trade and tourism in New Zealand,” says Ms Nicholl.

“This award acknowledges the rapid growth in services that China Southern Airlines has introduced, increasing from three flights per week in April 2011 to 10 flights per week in October 2013 and to the recently announced double daily flights during the upcoming peak season.  China Southern Airlines was also the first airline to deliver a regular flight service with the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.”

“Auckland Airport would like to thank China Southern Airlines for their contribution to the New Zealand tourism industry and also to congratulate them on a fantastic performance throughout the year.”

Mike Ma, China Southern’s General Manager New Zealand, says “Our Guangzhou to Auckland route only commenced three years ago however the speed of the expansion has been very rapid.”

“We believe this route is beneficial for the trade, tourism, cultural exchange and political enhancement between New Zealand and China. New Zealand is one of the vital markets contributing to our ‘Canton Route’ strategy and we are continuously putting our best resources, such as the brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, into the New Zealand market,” continues Mr Ma.

“Most importantly, we are confident we can continue to improve our performance within the New Zealand market due to the tremendous support we have received from our strategic partner, Auckland Airport.”

“We are thrilled to win this award and appreciate the recognition from Auckland Airport.  We also look forward to working with Auckland Airport even more closely in the future.”