Binter, Loganair and SKY express take centre stage at the ERA Airline Awards 2024

10 October 2024: The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) has commended airlines Binter, Loganair and SKY express as part of its prestigious annual Airline Awards.

• These awards recognise airlines that demonstrate outstanding achievements in various areas, including connectivity, sustainability and innovation.

ERA applauded the outstanding achievement of its members last night, as hundreds of delegates gathered to celebrate the ERA Airline Awards 2024. The awards ceremony, held in Seville, Spain, as part of the association’s annual General Assembly, showcased the exceptional efforts of three pioneering airlines.

ERA Airline of the Year 2024 and ERA Regional Connectivity Airline Award 2024: Binter

Binter earned both the coveted title of ERA Airline of the Year and the ERA Regional Connectivity Airline Award, reflecting its pivotal role in fostering connectivity and driving economic growth in its home regions. Judges praised Binter's comprehensive approach to sustainability, not only in terms of operational impacts, but also through its commitment to enhancing the environmental well-being of its territories.

Over the past year, Binter has launched five new routes, significantly boosting regional connectivity and passenger numbers, directly supporting local economies. Binter also introduced its Aeronautical Training Centre in 2023, which serves as an incubator for future aviation professionals, offering specialist training and improving employability within the sector.

Alfredo Morales, CEO, Binter said: “Receiving ERA’s highest award this year means a lot for Binter, as we celebrate the 35^th anniversary of our airline. Safety, quality service and constant innovation stand as our priority values and delivering the best travel experience to our customer is our main goal, so receiving this award means that we are doing it well.”

David Manzanas, Managing Director, Binter said: “This award means a lot to us and shows our hard work in connecting people and places. We are proud to be the airline that connects people and communities in the Canary Islands.”

ERA Sustainable Airline Award 2024: Loganair

Loganair was recognised with the ERA Sustainable Airline Award for its active leadership in sustainability initiatives. Rather than making mere commitments, Loganair has taken concrete steps toward reducing its environmental footprint.

One standout project involves the airline’s collaboration with Cranfield University to convert one of its aircraft to hydrogen cell power, a pioneering move toward cleaner aviation. Loganair has also implemented 100 per cent electric turnaround at one station and is in the process of replacing over 100 pieces of ground service equipment (GSE) to reduce emissions further. In collaboration with the UK Met Office, Loganair’s fleet is gathering critical data to understand and mitigate the effects of non-CO₂ emissions, such as contrails, leading the way in tackling misconceptions about aviation’s environmental impact.

Luke Farajallah, CEO, Loganair, said: “Being recognised by ERA for our sustainability initiatives is a significant accolade and testament to the innovative approach we have long prized at Loganair. Our GreenSkies programme, introduced in 2021 to mitigate the environmental impact of flying, was the first of its kind in the UK and we continue to be a pioneering force for change, exploring new technologies and forming partnerships dedicated to reducing aviation emissions. We are committed to introducing low- and zero-emissions flights where we can throughout our network and hope to offer the first such route by the end of the decade.”

ERA Innovation Airline Award 2024: SKY express

SKY express was honoured with the ERA Innovation Airline Award for its forward-thinking embrace of cutting-edge technologies that enhance both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.

The airline’s introduction of paperless cockpit operations and enhanced digital training/management systems have streamlined crew certification and currency maintenance. SKY express also utilises artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to optimise route planning, flight scheduling, and fuel efficiency, driving overall performance improvements. The airline's commitment to cybersecurity and strengthened safety protocols has further positioned SKY express as an industry leader in innovative practices.

George Lioumpis, General Manager, SKY express said: “We are truly honoured to receive the ‘ERA Innovation Airline Award’ for the second consecutive year. This recognition reflects SKY express’ dedication to utilising cutting-edge technology to transform operations, enhance performance, and contribute to a more sustainable aviation industry. At SKY express, innovation is not just a goal, it’s a core part of who we are. This award underscores our ongoing commitment to leading the way in operational excellence and elevating customer satisfaction. We are proud to be recognised for our efforts and will continue to push the boundaries of innovation in aviation.”

Images of the awards presentation can be downloaded here.

The winners are selected by an independent panel of experts from industry, academia and regulators who assess nominees on their contributions to the aviation sector and their commitment to future-oriented practices. This year, judges included: Jon Horne, former ERA Board member; Marylin Bastin, Acting Director, European Green Sky, EUROCONTROL; Professor Regula Dettling-Ott, Attorney and Aviation Policy Advisor; Mariagrazia La Piscopia, Executive Director, SESAR Deployment Manager; Dr. Romano Pagliari, Senior Lecturer in the Centre of Air Transport Management, Cranfield University; and Sean Gates, Legal Director of ERA and CEO of Gates Aviation,

For more information, please contact Becky Warburton, Editor Corporate Communications, on +44 (0)1276 485582 or by email at becky.warburton@eraa.org