LISBON — Asia’s leading airlines dominated this year’s Aviation Week Airline Industry Achievement Awards, with All Nippon Airways (ANA) named Airline of the Year, reinforcing its reputation for operational excellence, service quality, and strategic resilience in a highly competitive global market.
ANA’s top honor was announced at the 51st Annual Airline Industry Achievement Awards, one of the aviation industry’s most closely watched recognitions, presented by the Aviation Week Network, the New York–based aerospace and aviation media group. Industry analysts described ANA’s selection as a reflection of its consistent performance across safety, network management, and customer experience amid ongoing supply-chain and capacity challenges.
Other major airline honors further highlighted Asia’s growing influence in global aviation. Cathay Pacific Airways received the Eco-Airline of the Year award for its progress in emissions reduction, fleet modernization, and sustainable aviation initiatives. Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, was named Value Airline of the Year, recognized for balancing affordability with operational reliability. In the cargo sector, Cathay Cargo was awarded Cargo Operator of the Year, reflecting strong demand management and network optimization in a volatile global freight market.
Together, the airline awards underscored a broader industry trend: carriers that combine efficiency, sustainability, and strategic clarity are gaining ground as air travel continues its uneven recovery across regions.
Photo: Munich Airport
Munich Airport Recognized as Airport of the Year
Alongside the airline honors, Munich Airport received a major industry distinction of its own, being named Airport of the Year by Aviation Week. The award recognized the airport’s leadership in innovation, sustainability, and long-term airline partnerships.
Presented at the same Lisbon ceremony, the honor cited Munich Airport’s close collaboration with carriers—particularly its joint venture with Lufthansa at Terminal 2—as well as its investments in future-ready infrastructure. Projects highlighted by the jury included the launch of an electric bus depot, the deployment of solar-powered charging stations, and pilot programs such as autonomous wheelchairs to improve accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility.
“This award is a great recognition of the commitment of our entire team,” said Jost Lammers, Chief Executive of Flughafen München GmbH, in a statement following the ceremony.
A Broader Signal to the Industry
While the spotlight this year fell primarily on airline performance, the recognition of Munich Airport underscored the growing interdependence between airports and carriers as the aviation sector adapts to climate targets, technological change, and shifting passenger expectations.
The Aviation Week awards, presented annually across multiple categories, are widely regarded as a barometer of industry priorities—this year pointing clearly toward operational discipline, sustainability, and collaboration as defining forces shaping global aviation’s next phase. (zai)
Photo: ANA