Air Jamaica's chairman, Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, accepts the prestigious Crystal Palm Award from CHA president, Monica Parle, while Minister of Tourism, Aloun Assamba, looks on. - Contributed
AIR JAMAICA has won another major award; this time, the 2004 Crystal Palm Award for Excellence from the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA).
The national airline beat other major carriers such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, to take what is widely regarded as one of the regional travel industry's most coveted awards.
Chairman of Air Jamaica, Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, accepted the award at the CHA's annual dinner, held at the Renaissance London Chancery Court Hotel last week.
"The Crystal Palm Award for Excellence is the CHA's most prestigious marketing honour. It is bestowed on one of our travel partners operating in Europe, who in our judgment demonstrates the strongest commitment to the development of tourism in the Caribbean," says Alec Sanguinetti, director general and CEO of the CHA. "Air Jamaica has played a critical role in our industry's revival over the last year and we couldn't think of a more deserving partner for this award."
The Crystal Palm Award was first presented in 1997. However, there was a three-year hiatus between 2001 and 2003 due to a downturn in the industry, following the September 11 attacks. Air Jamaica was nominated in the 'European Airline' category by CHA Members and selected by the awards committee based on its performance in marketing, promotion initiatives, destination coverage, pricing, value, and commitment to the Caribbean region.
CATALYST FOR DEVELOPMENT
"I am honoured to accept the Crystal Palm Award on behalf of Air Jamaica," said Mr. Stewart. "Our airline is committed to being a catalyst for the development of the Caribbean tourism/travel industries and by extension the economies of every island to which we fly. It is gratifying that the work of so many at Air Jamaica, from our pilots and in-flight crew, reservations agents, maintenance engineers and all our other staff, be held up as an example of what is right and successful in the Caribbean. This award proves that we now rank among the best of the best and people are taking notice. Watch as we get ready to soar to even higher heights!"
Reacting to news that Air Jamaica had won the coveted Crystal Palm Award, LenMooney, managing director of Hayes & Jarvis, one of the largest British Tour Operators to the Caribbean said, "We at Hayes & Jarvis value our partnership with Air Jamaica. This award confirms what we have always known, that Air Jamaica is now the standard bearer for service and comfort on the UK to Jamaica route. Air Jamaica is an example of the difference it makes, when a regional airline is operated with a global vision. We are proud of the 'Lovebird's' achievements and are anxious to continue working with the airline to sell the Caribbean to the European marketplace."
Air Jamaica has won almost every major airline industry award in recent years. These include being named 'Best Airline to the Caribbean' at the World Travel Awards for five years in a row, Modern Bride's 'Best Honeymoon Airline' award and the prestigious 'Five Star Diamond Award', which the airline has also won five years in a row.
Air Jamaica is a service-oriented passenger airline offering travelers a level of comfort, convenience and amenities not commonly found in air travel today. From hot meal service to complimentary champagne, the airline is committed to customer satisfaction and overall excellence. With 20 Airbus A320, A321 and A340 aircraft, Air Jamaica offers the most modern fleet serving the Caribbean.
Air Jamaica operates more than 400 weekly scheduled flights connecting 15 gateways in the U.S., Canada and the UK with 12 Caribbean destinations. It connects the Caribbean to the UK and the rest of Europe with eight weekly flights to London and Manchester using the state-of-the-art wide-bodied A340 Atlantic Limousines.
