Air France KLM awarded Best Short Haul Travel Provider

On Monday 19 January, Air France KLM was announced winner of the Best Short-Haul Travel Provider category at the Business Travel World Awards 2009.

The Business Travel World Awards were launched in June 1995 to celebrate those companies and individuals delivering excellence in the corporate travel space. Every year the event is a sell-out because it is a fabulous networking opportunity full of industry peers.

Fourteen hundred people attended the legendary black-tie gala dinner and award ceremony at Grosvenor House in London last week. Air France KLM UK and Global Accounts representatives were in the attendance with key clients and VIPs and were delighted to win the award.

This year’s short list for the Best Short-Haul Travel Provider included Air France KLM, British Airways and Eurostar.

In the UK & Ireland Air France KLM operates over 1000 flights per week from 21 airports, offering the customers a perfect choice for their business and leisure travel needs. In addition to the extensive network offered from the regions in the UK and Ireland, there is a substantial schedule of services from both London Heathrow and London City airports.

In February 2007 the short haul network product aimed at business travellers, CityJet for Air France was launched at London City. Throughout 2008, the airline continued to develop and expand its large city-to-city network of about 150 daily flights to 8 destinations (including 2 UK domestic routes). The introduction of an enhanced, optimised schedule together with increased capacity, allows for improved day returns and greater flexibility for business travellers.

In addition, the recently announced purchase of VLM Airlines strengthens a more influential position at this strategic UK airport adding one of Europe’s leading regional business carriers to the group.

Air France KLM wins the award for best short haul travel provider for the second time as it was named best short haul business airline at the Business Travel World Awards in 2005.

Christine Ourmières says “receiving the award in such a challenging time for the industry has a greater value than at any other time as it shows that the industry recognizes and endorses our work, priorities and achievements. You will no doubt have noticed that the trend for consolidation initiated by Air France KLM is now being used as a benchmark by other carriers, which confirms that our vision had longevity and is resilient. At times like this our customers, clients and partners’ support and recognition are our greatest assets.”