Air Serbia wins prestigious "Best of Serbia" award

Air Serbia received the highly coveted "Best of Serbia" award for 2014 as the "Best corporate brand" in the large services companies category. On behalf of Air Serbia, the award was received by Ivana Vukanić, Cabin Senior, one of the bright young faces of the national airline that reflect and represent the new vision and image of Air Serbia.

The prestigious awards were presented at a gala ceremony at the Belexpocentar Hall in New Belgrade last night, in the presence of numerous senior government officials, business leaders and professionals. This year, the awards were delivered to selected employees of the honored companies, rather than to representatives of their management, highlighting the contribution of all employees to the success of a company.

Organized for the eleventh year by the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia and the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications, the main objective of the "Best of Serbia" awards is to encourage the development of high-quality products and services in Serbia and to promote the best product and corporate brands, to contribute to the strengthening of their market position, competitiveness and reputation with consumers and partners in Serbia and abroad.

Dane Kondić, Chief Executive Officer of Air Serbia, said: "Since its inception, Air Serbia has made great progress and we receive the award not only as acknowledgment of our success in transforming our business and delivering strong business results, but also for our contribution to the development of foreign trade and tourism across the broader economy. This is the first time Air Serbia has been nominated for the 'Best of Serbia' awards and we are honoured to have received this award".

Air Serbia qualified for the awards based on the strong operational and financial results the national airline achieved in 2014, during the first full year of its operations, including record annual revenues of close to 30 billion dinars, a net profit of nearly 320 million dinars and export revenues valued at close to 180 million euros. During 2014, Air Serbia had an estimated 53 per cent share in flights to and from Belgrade International Airport. The airline also invested more than two billion dinars in the development of the company, as well as 7.5 million dinars in community programs. In 2014, Air Serbia created more than 400 new jobs. A significant factor in the selection were also the international and industry standards Air Serbia adheres to in its operations, being certified according to the International Standard Organization's ISO standards, and IATA's operational safety audit (IOSA).

The epithet "Best of Serbia" is awarded in three main categories - top product, corporate and foreign brands. A fourth category also includes diverse recognitions, such as best event for the promotion of Serbia, best state-owned enterprise and top exporters. Winners are selected annually on a point-based grading methodology in three phases, including: an analysis of the market and the financial results of the observed company; a perception audit among consumers, business partners and professionals; and a final review of the jury of experts. The ten-member awards jury is comprised of high-ranking government officials, heads of professional institutions and reputed independent experts.

During the past year, Air Serbia has received a number of awards, including the "Quality Oscars" for its catering arm, two awards from the Association of Advertising Professionals (UEPS) for its brand campaign "New Wings of Europe" and the "Route of the Week" award from international aviation portal anna.aero for the reestablishment of flights between Belgrade and Zagreb.