Low cost airline easyJet founder, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, is to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at tomorrow's (17 April) 25th anniversary OAG Airline of the Year Awards.
And Stelios is in illustrious company with previous winners including former British Airways (BA) chairman and chief executive, Lord Marshall of Knightsbridge, Emirates' Maurice Flanagan, as well as television presenter, Alan Whicker.
The Outstanding Service Award goes to BMED Lebanon sales manager, Maria Sabbah, following her leadership as Beirut's international airport was shut last year, recognising her efforts ”above and beyond the call of duty.”
Some 42 airlines have received nominations for the Awards tomorrow in 15 regional and global categories. Multiple nominees include BA with six and American Airlines with five, while Continental and Singapore Airlines have four each. First- time nominees include AirAsia, bmibaby, Etihad and Korean Air.
The flagship OAG Airline of the Year 2007 award, currently held by Cathay Pacific who are nominated in three categories, will be contested between the winners of the eight regional awards. Previous winners include BA, British Caledonian, Emirates and Virgin Atlantic.
Nominees for the best airport feature Amsterdam Schiphol, Dubai International, New York JFK and Singapore Changi, plus first timers, San Francisco and Seoul Incheon International.