Winners List: Aviation Business Awards 2009

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The Aviation Business Awards is here to celebrate and pay tribute to the people that have established the GCC as an industry leader on the global stage, and a region that many elsewhere in the world can only gaze upon with awe. This year, accolades were given to 12 individuals to recognise their outstanding achievements in the industry.

One of the most high profile titles, airline CEO of the year, was won by Air Arabia CEO, Adel Ali. The six-year old airline has undergone several developments this year including network expansions and the launch of a second hub in Morocco. In addition, the airline has announced the start-up of a third hub in Egypt, which is expected to launch in March, 2010.

Meanwhile, Emirates Airline secured three prestigious titles: Patrick Naef scooped aviation IT manager of the year; Brian Jeffery, senior vice president, corporate treasury for Emirates was announced as financier of the year and Ram Menen walked away with an award to mark the outstanding success of the airline’s cargo division – Emirates SkyCargo – during 2009.

Another Dubai-based firm, Dnata, saw one of its employees named airport operations manager of the year. Ismail Ali Albanna has grown with the ground services provider and being based at the city’s international airport, Ali Albanna has seen many changes take place. The judging panel recognised that his skills have played a key part in ensuring a high level of quality and service has been provided.

Staying with Dubai International Airport, Colm McLoughlin, CEO of Dubai Duty Free, won duty free manager of the year. The title came as no surprise to the retail division of Dubai Airports after it announced record sales of US$1.1 billion for 2008, placing it ahead of London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon airport.

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It seemed highly appropriate then when Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths was hailed as airport CEO of the year. The airport chief was only a year into his post when he orchestrated the launch of Terminal 3 in October 2008, and since then Emirates Airline has seamlessly moved its entire operations into the new facility. In addition, Dubai International has consistently recorded double-digit growth in passenger traffic throughout the year.

Abu Dhabi-based rival, Etihad Airways saw its chief commercial officer, Peter Baumgartner take home the award for sales and marketing manager of the year. During the past 12 months the airline has become recognised as a world class global brand and it is Baumgartner’s unrelenting focus on product and service offerings that made him the judges favourite.

Mastering the complex issue of airport security saw Harib Bin Ghannam Al Hameli, acting vice president of airport operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport be named as airport security manager of the year. In April 2009, the airport opened its new terminal, which enables it to handle more than 12 million passengers a year, an increase of more than 5 million passengers.

Acknowledging his significant contribution to the private jet sector, Shane O’Hare, CEO of Royal Jet was announced as business jet CEO of the year. For those who prefer a more private experience, Royal Jet has proved the importance of this rapidly expanding sector, which despite the present financial climate, is more profitable here than anywhere else in the world.

Not only that, Royal Jet’s Amna Al Mansouri accepted the award for aviation training/HR manager of the year. It is her commitment to a policy of Emiratisation that has seen the business jet operator recruit 65 UAE nationals, as well as introducing a graduate trainee programme providing both on- and off the job training.

And it wasn’t just the airlines and airports who were celebrating. Following the impressive rise in the number of aircraft operating in the region, MRO provider, AJ Walter saw its CEO, Conrad Vandersluis named as MRO manager of the year. Vandersluis has helped airlines reduce their costs through a number of methods, including PBH contracts and one-stop-shop agreements, all the while maintaining quality and service.

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