Regional Airline of the year goes to .........
 

Horizon Air Named Regional Airline of the Year by Air Transport World
1/26/2007 8:38 a.m.


SEATTLE — Horizon Air has been named Regional Airline of the Year by the editors of Air Transport World magazine. Horizon was chosen from among all regional airlines worldwide.

"Reflecting its founders' philosophy, [Horizon] remains committed to its local communities and to delivering a safe, reliable and friendly product," notes ATW in its February issue. "Eschewing the no-frills model, it offers complimentary regional wines and microbrews to the more than 6.5 million passengers carried last year and provides free Starbucks coffee and copies of the Wall Street Journal in its boarding areas."

ATW also recognized Horizon's technical leadership in developing and implementing state-of-the-art onboard navigational equipment to help increase reliability in poor weather, as well as its introduction of the Q400 and CRJ-700 aircraft to U.S. markets. In addition, the editors noted Horizon's sustained profitability during some of the most challenging times for the airline industry.

"This honor is a recognition of Horizon's people, both past and present, and the very special culture of resourcefulness, skill, professionalism and caring teamwork that they've built over the years," said Jeff Pinneo, Horizon president and CEO. "I believe it's been the many expressions of this culture, and the positive impressions they've left on our customers over the years, that have set us apart."

Horizon will receive the Regional Airline of the Year award at ATW's ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 21. ATW began its annual awards program in 1974 to recognize excellence in the airline and commercial aerospace industries, and it currently selects winners in eight categories annually.

Founded in 1981, Horizon today serves 46 cities throughout California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and British Columbia and Alberta. Together, Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines serve 89 cities and are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE: ALK).

Not a very quick upgrade but this is why I want to spend my career with them... Congrats all QX employees.

Interesting...as Horizon was the worst flight I had on a regional last year.
- Jet was beat-to-ell inside; torn carpet and seats
- was late (no weather anywhere that day)
- totally grouchy crew hags for FA's

the Coffee was good though!

Observation from a business traveler (me) is that SKW has the best cabin crew. Especially on the bro.

Spongebob

They are probably the only regional that deserves it.

Great news...they are a glimmer of color in what otherwise is a dull stack of regionals out there.

Horizon has thier problems too.

All regionals should just go on a Dr. Phil show and get it over with.

Is there a list or something where you could see the winners of the recent years?
Thanks in advance - Jakob

2006 - Horizon
2005 - Mesa (yep, you're reading that right)
2004 - Chautauqua

Beyond that I don't know...congrats to Horizon. Although I'm sure the regional that pilots think should be regional of the year and the one that actually wins it are two different things (reference 2005).

I lost all faith in Air Transport World when they awarded Mesa as Regional of the Year. Seeing those stickers near the pax door on the airplanes makes me laugh every time.

At least they're making ammends by their decision to go with Horizon.

Thanks for that. Does anybody know it any further? I'm not quite sure, but I believe Lufthansa CityLine was regional of the year 2001 and as I am doing an internship (only two weeks unfortunately - different system in Germany) there I would be interested in that...

Thanks again - Jakob