Air Transport World Names American Airlines 2017 Airline of the Year

NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Air Transport World (ATW), the leading media brand serving the information needs of the global airline and commercial air transport communities, announced today that American Airlines is the winner of its 2017 Airline of the Year award.  ATW editors selected American Airlines, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, from a field of more than 100 global competitors. 

The 2017 Airline of the Year award will be presented as the top honor at the 43^nd annual ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards, to be held at a gala dinner on March 28 at the J.W. Marriott Essex House in New York.

The ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards recognize excellence across a broad range of airline operations and are widely considered as the most coveted in the air transport industry.  To win ATW's Airline of the Year award, an airline must demonstrate exceptional achievements and capabilities across operations, financial performance, customer service, safety and labor relations.  Its executive leadership must also clearly show innovation and strategic thinking that sets the company apart.

American Airlines was selected by ATW's editorial board in recognition of the phenomenal achievements by American's leadership and employees this past year. The integration of American and US Airways was practically flawless despite it being the largest, most complex airline merger in history. And throughout the integration process, American has maintained a close eye on delivering profitability and shareholder return while also investing more than $3 billion in new customer products and services that include greater onboard connectivity, new entertainment and dining choices, upgraded lounges and new city pair services. American is also spending billions more to upgrade its fleet with hundreds of new aircraft.

"The creation of the 'New American' has been a remarkable journey for employees, customers and investors. American Airlines has never been in better shape to deliver more to all of its stakeholders and that is because of the leadership skills of American's executive team and the dedication and hard work of its employees around the world. I sincerely congratulate Doug Parker and everyone at American," ATW Editor-in-Chief Karen Walker said.

"It was another phenomenal year for American Airlines, and all the credit goes to our team," said American's Chairman and CEO Doug Parker. "Our 120,000 team members completed several crucial integration milestones, launched 67 new routes, took delivery of 115 new aircraft, and much more – all while running a solid operation and taking great care of our customers. While we still have much to accomplish, we're incredibly proud of the work these men and women are doing every day to restore American as the greatest airline in the world."

Previous recent recipients of the ATW Airline of the Year award include Etihad Airways (2016); Southwest Airlines (2015); Delta Air Lines (2014); ANA (2013); Air New Zealand (2012); and Emirates (2011).

For more information about the awards, attending the award ceremony and sponsorship opportunities, visit http://award.atwonline.com.

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SOURCE Air Transport World