Cathay Pacific Airways has been named "Airline of the Year 2006" by global travel and transport information company OAG (Official Airline Guide) at its prestigious 24th annual awards ceremony in London earlier this week.

According to a press release from Cathay Pacific on Saturday, Cathay Pacific was also voted "Best Airline Based in Asia" and " Best Transpacific Airline" in OAG's awards based on its poll of business travelers.

The awards are among the most valued and respected of in the industry, "representing the views of the most frequent travelers," OAG said, adding "Independent and unbiased, the awards recognize airlines' ability to deliver the promises made by the marketing and advertising departments. It is for this reason that the OAG Airline of the Year Awards are held in such high esteem."

OAG Chairman Eddie Bell said, "Congratulations to Cathay Pacific for delivering excellence, both in the air and on the ground. The awards are public affirmation of both the product and service Cathay Pacific delivers. Not simply a snapshot taken on a particular day, they reflect the airline's overall performance, throughout the year."

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Philip Chen said, "As the airline of Hong Kong, we are honored to be presented with this award and owe much to the can-do spirit of the Hong Kong people which drives everyone in Cathay Pacific to always do better."

Cathay Pacific beat off competition from more than 40 airlines nominated in 16 regional and global categories.

The OAG "Airline of the Year 2006" award is the fourth consecutive Airline of the Year accolade won by Cathay Pacific in the past two years. It was named "Airline of the Year 2005" in the world's biggest passengers poll conducted by Skytrax, last October.

Source: Xinhua