SkyWork Airlines wins ‘Best In-flight Amenity’ at 2011 TravelPlus Awards

Tuesday 7th February 2012

Expanding Swiss regional carrier SkyWork Airlines received the top award for its innovative, state-of-the-art Apple iPad in the Best In-flight Amenity (short-haul) category at the TravelPlus Awards Reception in London last night.

The prestigious event was held in the Royal Suite of The Chesterfield Mayfair and was attended by airline and travel professionals including finalists from the world's major international and regional airlines who had flown in from as far afield as Dubai, New York and Hong Kong.

SkyWork, which operates 12 weekly flights between London City Airport and the Swiss capital of Bern, is a first time nominee for these awards. It is the first (and so far only) regional airline to offer a tablet device on-board and SkyWork was commended for its innovation by a diverse and distinguished panel of seasoned international traveller judges*. "The judges loved the iPad and were very impressed that SkyWork was the first regional airline to introduce it and the only short-haul carrier to currently offer it on board," said Tomislav Lang, CEO SkyWork Airlines.

The short-haul award category is new for 2012 and SkyWork Airlines is the first short-haul carrier to ever win one of the coveted TravelPlus accolades. Receiving the Award, Steven Schϋller, Online Marketing and Sponsoring, SkyWork Airlines said: "I was delighted to pick up the award for the Best In-flight Amenity (short-haul) ahead of a record number of entries and such strong competition. This award represents the combined efforts of the entire SkyWork Airlines team. It is especially gratifying to have our achievements acknowledged by industry experts."

SkyWork Airlines began offering its passengers Apple iPads in 2010. The tablet devices come preloaded with a selection of travel guides, video podcasts, music, video clips, flight schedules, games and magazines available in German, English, French and Spanish making it possible for passengers to enjoy a range of entertainment to suit all ages and tastes.

* This year's panel of judges comprised: Chairman: Simon Ward, Editor in Chief & Publisher of TravelPlus; Stewart Morton: International Foreign Exchange Dealer who travels extensively on business to Singapore, Australia and the United States; David Jenner: Award-winning designer and photographer an frequent traveller to Europe and the USA; John Ingram: Entrepreneur who enjoys long haul holidays; Jackie Cox: Ex British Airways senior long haul stewardess, now ultra marathon runner; Christine Maxwell: Author and Journalist with a passion for Italy; Margaret Ingram: Travels mainly for pleasure and has an in depth knowledge of Luxury Cruising; Debra Bradbury-Ward: Period Design Stylist and Hotel & Spa correspondent.

www.flyskywork.com

About SkyWork Airlines:

SkyWork was founded in 1983 and is one of the oldest airlines in Switzerland. Initially specialising in ad-hoc, business and charter flights, SkyWork now operates direct flights from Bern to 11 European destinations, including the UK's London City Airport. The fleet, which began with a single Cessna 340, has expanded to four Dornier 328 and two 72-seat Dash 8 Q400s. SkyWork currently has a workforce of 133 employees. This summer the airline's network will embrace a total of 25 scheduled routes from Bern.