Nantes Atlantique Airport was last night announced as the winner of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) Airport Achievement Award 2011/12.
Mr François Marie, Managing Director was presented with the trophy by Eraldo Baluci, VP South Europe Region, from Award sponsor, SITA, at the Association’s annual General Assembly Awards Dinner in Rome.
First-time winner Nantes Atlantique Airport, located in the Loire-Atlantique area in the North-West of France, impressed the judges by its strict cost control measures, its strong emphasis on increasing non-aviation revenues and its innovative techniques to improve service quality and operational efficiency.
Its business strategy of developing initiatives to raise non-aviation revenue has enabled the airport to increase its competitiveness. It has been able to assist regional airlines by offering low airport charges over extended periods, thereby helping its airline customers during difficult economic times.
The judges were also struck by the innovative initiatives employed by the airport to make it more attractive to airlines and passengers alike, in particular, the “live my life” initiative. Its objective to get all staff to work as one team was considered by the judges to be a unique means of developing a deeper understanding among the individual stakeholders, leading to a smoother operation for the benefit of the passenger.
Nantes Atlantique Airport is France’s 6th largest regional airport and handled 3,082,000 passengers in 2010. It offers 110 direct routes on 15+ scheduled airlines and 70+ tour operators.
The ERA Airport Achievement Award aims to recognise an airport achievement which has had a positive impact on intra-European air transport operations, and to promote the importance of airline-airport partnerships. It is judged by a panel of distinguished industry experts from throughout Europe.
