SimpliFlying Awards 2013: Recognising Best Airlines and Airports on Social Media

The 4th Annual SimpliFlying Awards for Excellence in Social Media announced KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol as the best airline and airport on social media. Qatar Airways won Best Emerging Airline on Social Media and San Francisco International Airport was recognised for their proactive efforts on digital media during the Asiana Flight 214 incident. The awards were held in Amsterdam today in conjunction with the EyeforTravel Online Marketing, Mobile & Social Media in Travel Europe 2013 conference.

Launched in 2010, the SimpliFlying Awards have become the authoritative voice of the best social media practices of airlines and airports. Led by SimpliFlying, an aviation marketing strategy firm, the rigorous awards process consisted of public voting and judging by a distinguished panel of thought leaders in the travel marketing space.

In the category of Best Airline on Social Media, AirAsia and American Airlines were highly commended, with KLM as the overall winner.

For Best Airport on Social Media, London Heathrow and London Gatwick were among the top three in the category, with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol as the overall winner.

Emirates, Aer Lingus and Miami International Airport emerged in top three placing in the category of Best Emerging Airline/ Airport on Social Media, with Qatar Airways as the overall winner.

The award for Best Service Provider for Travel Solutions went to Satisfly for its innovative social login and social seating solutions.

Shashank Nigam, CEO of SimpliFlying, said: “The connected traveller of today is evolving quickly. With mobile options extending from smartphones, tablets to laptops, he is carrying his living room with him to the skies. This presents many opportunities for airlines and airports.”

He added: “The SimpliFlying Awards winners exemplify the spirit of innovation and demonstrate a deep understanding of their customers – being able to link their social media efforts to key business goals like customer service and loyalty. It is an exciting time ahead for travel brands.”

The judges for SimpliFlying Awards 2013 included Raymond Kollau, CEO of Airlinetrends.com, Robert Patterson, Vice President of Content and Social Strategy at MMGY Global and Rosie Akenhead, Business Manager at Yelp.com.

The finalist presentations for 4th Annual SimpliFlying Awards for Social Media Excellence can be found at http://bit.ly/SFAwards13.