CityJet has been named Airline of the Year (Silver) 2016 by the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) – an organisation representing over 50 airlines and 143 associate and affiliate members involved in all aspects of the sector, from carriers to airports operations and manufacturers.
The announcement was made at the ERA General Assembly in Madrid. The award citation focused on the achievements of CityJet throughout 2015 in successfully rebuilding as an independent airline, including the significant growth in its traffic and transformation of its business model.
The ERA adjudication panel also referenced CityJet’s industry gains, in particular winning a major wet lease contract to operate services on behalf of SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) and commencing its fleet programme renewal with orders for 25 new Bombardier and Superjet SSJ100 aircraft.
Pat Byrne, Executive Chairman, CityJet, said: “Receiving this accolade from our peers among European regional airlines is a great honour. I am delighted to accept the award on behalf of all 850 members of the CityJet team. It is a great testimonial for the huge effort that has been made in transforming CityJet into a vibrant and growing aviation business.
“Our focus on customers, whether they are a commuter on one of our many routes or an airline to whom we wet lease aircraft, sets CityJet apart. We are genuinely proud to be recognised by this award.”
CityJet operates a fleet of 28 aircraft on its scheduled network, which includes a major hub at London City Airport, and on its wet lease services on behalf of Air France and SAS. It has also increased its charter services for corporate clients, sports teams and the entertainment industry. Its 850 staff are mainly located at its Dublin headquarters but CityJet also has bases in Amsterdam, Helsinki, London, Paris and Stockholm.
