Willie Walsh, the unassuming chief executive of Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus, was celebrating last night as he was presented with the executive leadership honour at the Airline Business Strategy Awards.
Walsh received the award at the Middle Temple in London's West End.
In the other five award categories, Pinnacle Airlines took the regional airline leadership honour, America West received the finance award, Chile's LAN won through in marketing, American Airlines took the operations plaudits and British Airways was recognised for technology.
Recognition
Airline Business editor Kevin O'Toole presented the magazine's own award to Emirates vice-chairman and group president Maurice Flanagan in recognition of his long-standing and sustained contribution to the industry.
The event was the third Strategy Awards organised by Airline Business magazine.
"The tally of winners reflects a mix of those carriers that have made fundamental change in their business through to some bold new strategies," says O'Toole.
Airline Business works with leading executive search firm Spencer Stuart to assemble a shortlist of management teams and individuals who have shown true leadership over the previous year. The judging panel is made up of some of the industry's leading names.
n For full coverage see pages 46 & 48.
Source: Flight Daily News
