OAG Awards
 

Hot topics in years gone by, no one seems to have noticed them (or at least mentioned them in polite company) this year, even though the results are now more than 6 weeks old.

The big winners were Continental and Virgin. While Air Canada (along with AA, DL, and TW) was nominated for Best in North America, Continental cleaned up, receiving that award and four others:

"Continental Airlines, shortlisted for the overall title, took no fewer than five awards - the most of any airline - for best Trans-Atlantic Airline, Best Airline Based in North America, Best Business/ Executive Class Short Haul, Best Business/ Executive Class Long Haul, and Best Frequent Flyer Programme."

Continental Airlines Named Best Trans-Atlantic and North American Airline for 2001 in Global Airline Awards Program


"In a nail-biting night of surprises, Virgin Atlantic scooped the main title of OAG Airline of the Year 2001, ending a three-year run by Emirates. Virgin also won two other categories."

BATTLE OF THE GIANTS IN OAG AIRLINE OF THE YEAR AWARDS


Full results can be found at:

OAG Airline of the Year 2001 - WINNERS

What I think this shows is not that one is better than an other but that all nominees have strong points that need to be investigated according to our own individual travel needs.

For me, meal service is not as important as space/seating and availability of upgrades but for others the reverse may be true.

There are undoubtedly regional/local airlines that are not listed which actually provide superior service but will never make it to the "top" because of a lack of votes.