The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) has awarded London City Airport the ERA Airport of the Year 2017 at the association’s annual General Assembly in Athens.
The airport’s Chief Commercial Officer, Richard Hill, collected the award in front of an audience of airport and aviation industry figures on the evening of Wednesday 18 October.
An independent judging panel consisted of senior industry experts, including past CEOs of European airlines, highly respected aviation journalists, and academics.
The ERA recognition comes as London City Airport celebrates a momentous 30th anniversary year, and approaches a major £400 million development project, following planning permission for the City Airport Development Programme last year. The ERA praised the 2,000 jobs that the development will create, and the airport’s success in achieving a record-breaking 4.5 million annual passengers in 2016 (representing 5% year-on-year growth), with business travellers accounting for approximately 52% of all passengers.
The award also follows the certification of the Bombardier C Series CS100 for operation at the airport. It is currently used for short-haul services by SWISS Airlines, but also opens up the possibility of non-stop flights to new markets. With the airport’s upcoming development, plans to certify other next generation aircraft such as the Embraer E2 point to an exciting next chapter.
Richard Hill, Chief Commercial Officer at London City Airport, said:
“This is deserved recognition for London City Airport on the European stage in its 30th anniversary year and we thank the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) for this accolade. It follows record-breaking passenger growth and a winning formula which differentiates the airport not just in London but across Europe.
“The airport is on the cusp of an exciting next chapter, with a £400 million development programme and the UK’s first digital air traffic control tower, setting a new standard for the global aviation industry to follow. Meanwhile our quick check-in and arrivals process, convenient location, and easy public transport access, continues to make London City an attractive airport for both business and leisure passengers.”
Paula Bangle, General Manager Business Development, Membership and Communications at ERA, said:
“London City Airport, a powerhouse of a regional airport and the winner of this year’s ERA Airport of the Year award, is always pushing forward for the best passenger experience in a capacity-constrained space. The major investment in its new terminal extension, creating 500 jobs and another 1,600 more upon completion, is highly commendable. Huge congratulations to the whole team at London City Airport.”
The ERA prize follows an award-winning streak for the airport, with recognition as Airport of the Year at the London Transport Awards 2017 and winner of the Best Airport Category for airports handling up to 5 million passengers per year at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2017.