Vueling scoops Value Airline of the Year accolade at the ATW.

Wednesday 27th March 2013

Air Transport World magazine held its Gala Awards Evening yesterday evening, March 26th, attended by an international audience consisting of some 250 leading representatives in global aviation.

The selection committee applauded Vueling's efforts in striking a balance between keeping its operating costs low, while being able to offer a premium product to its passengers, as well as its accomplishment in delivering a straight set of profits in four consecutive years.

Barcelona, March 27th 2013 - Vueling, the leading airline at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, was last night heralded Value Airline of the Year at the 39th annual ATW Awards, held in Washington D.C. The awards are organized annually by Air Transport World magazine, a leading monthly title serving the airline and commercial aircraft manufacturing and support industries.

The awards judges gave Vueling the accolade in this category in recognition of its successful evolution.  It started out as a core, no frills operation in 2004, but now offers a legacy style product with full GDS participation, connecting flights at its Barcelona hub, a frequent flyer programme, lounge access and services tailored to the needs of different passenger profiles.  It has done all this while maintaining rigorous cost control and keeping to a clear strategy on growth and profitability. Vueling was also praised for its innovative policies in managing its motivated employees.

"Our people, our staff - each and every one of them - are the only secret ingredient of our success," said Vueling CEO Alex Cruz, who accepted the award from ATW European Bureau Chief Victoria Moores.  "Everyone in the company understands the importance of being competitive.  Vueling will keep on innovating in the coming years, challenging all the established commandments (in the low cost airline bible) whenever and wherever we can do so without affecting our cost structure.  We have demonstrated that it can be done."

•     ATW Awards

The ATW airline industry awards programme was created in 1974 to recognize excellence in services within the aviation industry.  These Awards have become one of the most coveted and valued honours a company or a person in the airline industry can receive. The winners are selected by an international panel of experts, following a detailed examination of all nominees.

•     About Vueling

Vueling was created in July 2004 with an initial fleet of two Airbus A320s, four routes and the objective of providing excellent customer service at a competitive price. Nine years later, Vueling is operating around 200 routes in over 100 cities all over Europe, Middle East and the north of Africa. Now Vueling has 14 operational bases and has transported over 55 million passengers with a fleet of 70 aircraft.

Vueling has one of the highest punctuality rates within the industry, with an average above 90%. Recently the company has received the Operational Safety Audit certification (IOSA) by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which validates the airline with the highest quality and safety standards.

www.vueling.com