The winners of the European Regional Airline awards for 2023 were presented with their awards at the conference gala in Innsbruck:
- Airline of the Year Award 2023: Loganair. Loganair has excelled in various areas, overcoming pandemic-related challenges and implementing environmental initiatives like the GreenSkies program. They have also contributed to social and humanitarian causes with initiatives such as the Flying for All diversity and inclusion program. Loganair’s strategic innovations have yielded positive outcomes, showcasing their attention to detail and clear decision-making.
- Innovation Airline Award 2023 and Airline Excellence Award 2023: SKY express. Sky express has placed a strong emphasis on innovation, utilizing technology and IT advancements to drive their business forward. They collaborated with Google, implemented digital marketing strategies, tailored campaigns, and used aircraft data to support their green agenda. As the fastest-growing airline in 2022 across the EurocontrolL network, Sky express has also been recognized with the Airline Excellence Award.
- Social Responsibility Airline Award 2023: Air Nostrum. Air Nostrum has demonstrated a comprehensive commitment to social responsibility both within its organization and beyond. In 2022, the airline carried out humanitarian missions called ‘Flights of Hope’, helping transport Ukrainian refugees and delivering aid supplies. They have also established an employee Equality Commission and actively support causes such as International Women’s Day and accessibility to employment for people with disabilities.
- Special Award for Outstanding Resilience 2023: Air Urga Air Urga has displayed exceptional resilience, not only overcoming challenges brought on by the pandemic but also operating under the difficult circumstances of their home country being invaded and at war. Despite these obstacles, the airline has persevered, supported its employees, local people, and the armed forces while remaining optimistic about the future
Additionally, Widerøe received the ERA Sustainable Airline Award 2023 for their remarkable commitment to sustainability. They have made extensive strategic commitments, such as reducing CO2 emissions in their timetable and maximizing the use of aircraft. Widerøe has collaborated with industry leaders and invested in a subsidiary, Widerøe Zero, to develop a zero-emissions aircraft in anticipation of future technology advancements.
This is the second time that Loganair has own airline of the year. The only Irish winer of the award was ASL Airlines Ireland who were airline of the year in 2015, in the same year that Shannon won the airport award. CityJet won the silver award in 2016 and the bronze award in 2007. Aer Arann won the bronze award in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2013
ASL Ireland, Cityjet, Emerald Airlines, Hibernian Airlines, and Shannon airport are members of ERAA.
