Emirates honours execplary employees for their customer service excellence

At a ceremony at Emirates' new headquarters in Dubai, Sheikh Ahmed presented the five employees with the Najm Chairman's Award trophy and a cheque for Dhs15,000 each.

Addressing an audience of Emirates' senior management, Sheikh Ahmed said: "I am pleased to honour five of your colleagues with the company's top accolade, the Najm Chairman's Award, which recognises those who go beyond what's expected of them, to give the best in customer service, whether for colleagues or customers.

"The five are very special for they opened their hearts, kept a cool head and used their skills to save lives. I am very proud to know that the Emirates Group has people with such a high sense of public service and training that has given them the confidence to give help to others."

Cabin Crew Member Khaled Soliman, a former lifeguard, was honoured with the Najm Chairman's Award for saving his colleague from drowning in the sea off Accra during a layover.

Senior Flight Steward Shadi Sharife won the award for saving a baby from choking to death in Dubai's Deira City Centre shopping mall, when off duty, by using his first aid skills.

Emirates Airport Services Office Assistant Wasef Mahdi Al Said was recognised for saving a baby's life in the congested conditions at Damascus airport during the Lebanon crisis in July 2006. The baby had lost consciousness and Wasef rushed the child to the clinic.

Michael Greig, who flies in his spare time, was honoured for flying a light aircraft cross-country from Auckland to Whitianga to deliver a mishandled bag containing heart medication to a passenger who had just returned from the UK.

Aircraft Technician Javed Iqbal Bhatti was honoured for putting out a small fire on a tanker which was refuelling a B777-200 aircraft at Lahore Airport, averting possible harm to passengers and significant damage to the aircraft.

The Najm award scheme is the reward and recognition programme of the Emirates Group.

The Najm ('Star' in Arabic) recognises, motivates and awards employees that either display exceptional behavioural competencies ('going the extra mile') or identifies organisational improvements (enhanced safety, reduced cost or improved revenue).