Punctuality and reliability the keys to Business User’s Award

For the second time in three years, Aer Lingus has been voted ‘Airline of the Year’ by business travellers in Ireland. The award was presented today, January 13th, by the Minister for Public Enterprise, Mrs Mary O’Rourke T.D. at the annual survey of Irish business people conducted by the Air Transport Users’ Council of the Chamber of Commerce of Ireland.

Accepting the `Airline of the Year` award today, January 13th, Aer Lingus Group Chief Executive, Garry Cullen said the airline was delighted to receive the accolade `Airline of the Year` for the second time in three years. “It is a recognition that we are listening to our customers and addressing the needs they have brought to our attention.” Mr Cullen paid tribute to the staff of Aer Lingus who “strive to supply that unique brand of service that helps to ensure our customers keep coming back to us.”

As part of the drive to create a better airline, Aer Lingus has invested heavily in its Premier business service on all routes. “Business customers want quality customer service, punctuality, value for money and reliability and our aim is to continue to offer a range of products and services representing increasingly better value for money”, Mr Cullen said.

On the key issue for business customers - punctuality - Aer Lingus is the most punctual European airline flying the North Atlantic and consistently in the top three airlines on routes within Europe. “Significantly, we are also consistently the most punctual airline on every individual route we fly”, he added.

In addition to the overall `Airline of the Year` award, Aer Lingus also gained top place on the highly competitive UK-Provincial and London routes.

The top Transatlantic award also went to Aer Lingus despite increased competition on the route.

Mr Cullen announced that Aer Lingus plans a range of new initiatives during 1999 to continue to add value, particularly for the business traveller. In addition to new routes such as Shannon/Paris and Ireland/Los Angeles, extra frequencies on New York, Boston and Chicago, Aer Lingus will add new business lounges, and plans a complete relaunch of the Gold Circle Club and Frequent Flier Programmes with greater emphasis on a better business offering for regular travellers.

The airline is determined to continue to win business in the face of the most intense competition on the basis of its differentiated, high quality customer focused approach.

Mr Cullen thanked the ATUC and assured its members that receipt of today’s accolades would not give rise to complacency and committed the airline to continuing to set the standards for business travel in the industry.

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