Budapest Airport recognizes partners of distinction following another record-breaking year

BUDAPEST, Hungary – Budapest Airport hosted its 9th Annual Awards Ceremony last night in the grandiose Terminal 1 Event Center. Around 300 guests gathered to recognize the success of the airport’s closely-held business partners during, not only another record-breaking year in 2015, but also over the past decade. Having smashed the 10 million passenger traffic threshold last year, the evening was a chance to honor and thank airlines, concessionaires, ground handlers and other partners who have played a hugely important role in the enhancement of Budapest’s aviation and retail developments.

Category 2015 Winner

Best Performing Airline Wizz Air
Best Developing Airline Air France
Best New Long-Haul Emirates
Best Performing Newcomer Cargo and Belly Cargo Airline Air China (Cargo)
Best Aircraft Maintenance Company Lufthansa Technik
Best Seasonal Airline Vueling
Best Network Airline Load Factor British Airways
Best Airline Marketing Partner Alitalia
Best Greenairport Partner Főtaxi Zrt
Retail Concessionaire of the Year Szamos üzlet (SkyCourt)
Retail Concessionaire of the Year (F&B) Leroy Air Kft

Having been named Expat CEO of the Year at last month’s Budapest Business Journal’s Expat CEO Gala, Jost Lammers has been recognized for his own role in bringing the Hungarian gateway to new heights in both traffic numbers and services. Speaking at last night’s ceremony, Lammers had a chance to praise those aviation partners who have contributed to the record-breaking success of the airport: “Budapest has been propelled into being one of Europe’s fastest growing airports and credit must go to our partners who have excelled over the last year. I am especially proud, and tonight is a wonderful chance for us to say a personal thank you to all those who have played a part in making sure Budapest, and Hungarian aviation, are internationally recognized.”

A few words from the winners:

Best New Long-Haul – Emirates. Gábor Horváth, Country Manager: “We have experienced unprecedented success on our new route between Budapest and Dubai, having already upgraded to our 777-300s on the service following better than expected demand. The relationship between Emirates and Budapest Airport is full of promise, we cherish this award on behalf of Emirates Hungary team and Budapest Airport team, and our close co-operation with the airport.”

Best Performing Airline – Wizz Air. Diederik Pen, Chief Operations Officer: “We have extremely strong relations with Budapest Airport and take considerable pride that 2015 was another all-time record year for both of us. We are Hungary’s home town airline, and we are grateful that the continuous hard work of both teams at Budapest Airport and Wizz Air is recognized in the accolade of Best Performing Airline – receiving this award for the second consecutive year is testimony to all involved in the incredible achievements we have experienced.”

Best Airline Marketing Partner – Alitalia. Judit Szabó, Sales Representative: “We’d like to thank Budapest for not only giving us this award, but for also offering us the perfect location for our target audience, and for supporting Alitalia in our ongoing marketing strategy.”

Best Network Airline Load Factor – British Airways. Emil Delibashev, Commercial Manager Eastern Europe: “As a long-standing partner of Budapest, we have experienced the great potential of the local market, as well as the growth of the airport. We’re introducing a fourth daily flight that will make our already fantastic schedule perfect. The fact that British Airways has won the award for Best Network Airline Load Factor is yet another indication of our own continued exceptional performance and significant development within Hungary.”