Srilankan wins US ‘Best in Region’award

SriLankan Airlines, among an elite list of world airlines that vied for Passenger Choice Awards of the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) in the US, won the award for Best in Region: Asia and Australasia, at a gala ceremony in Long Beach, California this week.

The ceremony was held during the APEX 2012 EXPO at the Long Beach Convention Centre from 17-20 September, the premier venue for exhibitors to showcase new products and innovations that will improve the airline cabin environment and enhance the air travel experience, the national carrier said.

APEX, which was formally known as the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA) based in New York, is a premier global association management firm with representation in USA, Europe, China, Middle East and Asia. APEX annually celebrates outstanding inflight services, products, innovations of airlines and vendors committed to improve the airline passenger experience worldwide.

Having won a prestigious award for Best in Region – Asia & Australasia competing with finalists Cathay Pacific Airways, Singapore Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines and Air New Zealand, SriLankan was also placed in the finals of three other categories: ‘Best Overall Passenger Experience (Up to 50 IFE equipped in Fleet)’, ‘Best Inflight Video’, & ‘Best Food & Beverage’, the airline statement said.

“Winning an APEX Passenger Experience award underlines our commitment to our passengers and the airline’s continued pursuit of excellence to achieve our goal in providing the best experience inflight.

The award is of great value to us, as the endorsements come from the passengers themselves,” noted SriLankan Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer, Kapila Chandrasena. Airlines that won APEX awards in other categories included Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Virgin America, South African Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Southwest Airlines, Norwegian and Kingfisher Airlines.