Presentation of 2015 Schiphol Aviation Awards

Each year, Schiphol presents aviation awards to business partners who have distinguished themselves through their innovative business operations or positive performance. De Groof: ‘As Schiphol Group we are proud to work with so many innovative and enthusiastic business partners day in day out.'The ceremony included a few words about the airport's 100th anniversary. None other than Dutch aviation pioneer Anthony Fokker (played by actor Ab Gietelink) guided the guests through the history of civil aviation in the Netherlands, Europe and even America. Birgit Otto: ‘Our business partners are pioneers in a way, too. They seek connections, dare to go against the current, look ahead and inspire. They see opportunities that others might not see.’

Three business partners were nominated in each category. The winners received the prestigious award; both runners-up were presented with a certificate.

The winners are:

Operational Excellence Award 2015

The Operational Excellence Award 2015 goes to KLM. The airline received the award in recognition of its active contribution as full partner in the Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) project. Using a joint approach and focus, CDM was successfully implemented at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in 2015.

Efficiency Award 2015

A group winner this year. Aviapartner, LOT Polish Airlines, Swiss and the Lufthansa Group jointly decided in 2015 to consolidate passenger check-in at desk row 1. Making common use of the check-in area achieves efficiency both in terms of the use of available space in the departure halls and personnel.

Sustainability Award 2015

TUIfly rolled out an ABCD programme in 2015, which aims to increase sustainability awareness and focuses on waste, bio-fuel, CO2 emissions and sustainable products. In respect of waste, TUIfly in cooperation with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and waste processor Suez created waste separation facilities on Buffer G. These facilities were specially designed for waste taken off board.

Cargo Award 2015

The Milkrun initiative – committing to greater efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions – demonstrates entrepreneurship in innovative services. This initiative was conceived in the Cargo sector and is specifically for the Cargo sector. Schiphol applauds this initiative and hopes it will motivate other parties to follow suit.

Passenger Airline of the Year Award – Europe 2015

With 21% in growth to 4.1 million passengers in 2015, EasyJet was named Passenger Airline of the Year Award – Europe. The British airline, which started with three aircraft and expanded to six within a year, flew 36 routes from Amsterdam, made optimum use of Schiphol infrastructure and did a lot with respect to communication in the Dutch market.

Passenger Airline of the Year Award – Intercontinental

With three new ICA destinations, KLM made a significant contribution to the Schiphol mainport network. Furthermore, the airline recently introduced the B787-9, giving a positive impulse to KLM's intercontinental network and products. KLM also distinguished itself in the social media arena, rolled out its World Business Class further, and started a special shuttle bus service for passengers from Amsterdam to Arnhem and Nijmegen.