Air Serbia receives 2017 Аirline Мarket Leader Аward in New York

Air Serbia, the national airline of the Republic of Serbia, was yesterday evening presented with the 2017 Airline Market Leader award at the Air Transport World (ATW) annual awards ceremony in New York.

The prestigious title was presented in recognition of Air Serbia’s spectacular achievements since being launched in 2013, culminating in the June 2016 introduction of transatlantic flights to New York.

The award was received by Dane Kondić, Chief Executive Officer of Air Serbia at a gala dinner held at the JW Marriott Essex House.

Karen Walker, ATW Editor-in-Chief, said: “The vision of Air Serbia was to establish an airline that embodied the modern spirit of its country and offered a guest experience second-to-none. That includes its Wi-Fly internet service, Elevate Play entertainment system, and a Sky Au Pair childcare assistance service.

"These innovations and the launch of non-stop flights to New York last year made Air Serbia a clear winner for the ATW Airline Market Leader Award. We were delighted to present the trophy to Dane and his team in New York, the city where they helped reopen a new transatlantic market.”

Dane Kondić said: “Our goal when we launched Air Serbia was to be the leading airline in Southeast Europe. Winning this ATW award shows how far we have come in realizing that vision.

"Through our focus on delivering best-in-class products and services, all inspired by Serbian hospitality, we have quickly established Air Serbia as an airline with a difference. The fact that we are the first airline in the region to receive such a global award makes me all the more proud of our team.”

Siniša Mali, Mayor of Belgrade and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Air Serbia, said: “Winning the ATW award acknowledges the success of our vision to build a successful, competitive national airline in Serbia.

"Air Serbia has met our objectives, and much more, connecting a growing number of people to our country, supporting the growth of tourism, and contributing strongly to our economy. It is going from strength and strength, and we are confident in its long-term future.”

James Hogan said: “I’m delighted to see Air Serbia receive such high recognition from fellow professionals in the industry. By focusing on delivering the best experience to its guests, be it through expanding its network to the U.S. or launching new services, it has quickly made a name for itself on the world stage.

"Air Serbia’s success is also a clear example of the significant benefits that being an Etihad Airways Partner member has brought, without which, so many of these successes and achievements wouldn't have been possible.”

ATW’s editorial board chose Air Serbia as the 2017 Airline Market Leader in recognition of its innovative products and services, as well as the successful business strategies it has used to differentiate itself from competitors in Southeast Europe and grow its network, revenue, customer base and brand recognition.

In June 2016, Air Serbia became the only airline in Southeast Europe to fly across the Atlantic when it launched a non-stop service to New York-JFK using an Airbus A330, the largest aircraft operated by any carrier based in the region.

Established in 1974, Air Transport World is an authoritative media brand serving the needs of the global airline and commercial air transport manufacturing communities. Known for its coverage of the airline industry and in-depth reports on aviation trends, its editors have been nominated for nearly every award in aviation journalism.