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Air New Zealand planes at Auckland Airport - Source: ONE News -
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New Zealand's national carrier has walked away with the
equivalent of an airline Oscar.
The leading Global Airline Industry Awards have named Air New
Zealand the airline of the year.
The judges hailed the airline's superb commitment to safety and operational excellence, groundbreaking customer service and environmental record.
The judges further cited Air New Zealand's financial performance and fiscal management during one of the most turbulent periods in aviation history.
"We try to do everything we do in a very New Zealand way," says CEO Rob Fyfe.
The airline also won brownie points for its safety record.
"That's because we don't leave a stone uncovered we have a very very good attitude towards safety and that's no accident," says engineer Hamish Begg.
Prime Minister John Key says the award is a great honour but "no great surprise to those of us who continually experience the service that our national airline delivers".
Key, who is also Minister of Tourism, says the award is well deserved.
"Like so many New Zealanders I am immensely proud of Air New Zealand. Its ingenuity and innovation deliver new products that are mimicked by competitors around the world and its commitment to a more environmentally responsible future is leading the industry," he says.
"However it is the people who make a real difference, as evidenced by the total selflessness and caring attitude adopted by the company and its staff during the Samoan tsunami."
Tourism New Zealand says the title is a win for the entire tourism industry in New Zealand and hope it translates to more international touchdowns on Kiwi soil.
The award will be presented on February 1 in Singapore.
