British Airways takes off with seven top awards

As well as winning the Best Airline award, British Airways also regained top spot in the Best Business Class category by ousting Virgin Atlantic.

Chief executive Rod Eddington attended the ceremony at the London Hilton to also collect five further awards for Best Cabin Crew, Best Shorthaul Flights, Best First Class, Best Frequent Flyer Programme and Most Innovative Airline.

The annual poll conducted by Business Traveller magazine is the only travel survey conducted by a UK-based publication which is independent and complies with the rules laid out by the Market Research Society.

Early this year, British Airways walked away with top honours at the inaugural 2002 Business Traveller Middle East Awards for "Best European Airline" serving the Middle East region.

Rod Eddington said today: "In a tough year for the industry, it's particularly heartening for us that our staff have been able to continue to deliver excellent service which has been recognised in this way.

"Winning seven awards means a great deal to us, particularly as they have been voted for by frequent travellers.

"I'm particularly proud to have won Best Business Class which is recognition for our revolutionary Club World flat bed which has set the standard for the industry and been a huge success with our customers."

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