OAG AIRLINE OF THE YEAR is Cathay Pacific. At a glittering ceremony at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London last Thursday, dozens of travel writers were in attendance.
Alan Whicker not only presented the Hong Kong airline with the ultimate award but also the 2006 Best Transpacific Airline and Best Airline based in Asia.
British Airways took home two awards: Best Airline Based in Western Europe and Best Transatlantic Airline.
CSA Czech Airlines won Best Airline Based in Central/Eastern Europe for the 3rd year running.
American Airlines was named Airline of Choice for Travellers with a Disability, a new award introduced this year.
JetBlue won Best Low Cost/No Frills Airline for the first time, beating easyJet, Southwest Airlines and Virgin Blue.
Eddie Bell, chairman of OAG, surprised Alan Whicker by presenting him with the Lifetime Achievement Award, praising his remarkable career spanning almost 60 years.
The Outstanding Service Award went to Maria Benson, manager with Continental Airlines "We Care" programme, for her dedication and inspiring leadership during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Emirates retained the title Best Airline based in Middle East & Indian Sub-Continent, and Dubai International was voted Best Airport in Europe, Middle East & Africa, but lost out to Singapore Changi for the Best Airport.
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