Some of Melbourne Airport’s top performers were recognised last night at the 2019 Melbourne Airport Excellence Awards.Nadia Francken from Cathay Pacific Airways was named winner of the prestigious Chairman’s Award for Excellence,taking home a cash prize of $5,000.
Nadia was rewarded for her leadershipin successfully guiding Cathay into using the airport’s self-service check-in technology and automated bag drop facilities, resulting in 83 per cent of passengers using the system.
Matthew Loughnan from dnata won the Marc Storti Award for Safety, also valued at $5,000, recognised for his efforts at implementing a new collaborative approach to improve airfield safety.
Melbourne Airport’s top barista was uncovered as Jimmy Tran from ST.ALi, who took out the title for a second year in a row, while the Qantas First Lounge won the Lounge of the Year award category.
Popular TV presenter Richard Reid had the room in laughter, supported by radio host Matt Tilley, while acclaimed performer Baker Boy surprised guests with a performance of his latest single In Control.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi said he was proud of the leadership displayed from staff across the whole airport community.
“We received more than 200 nominations across 17 Award categories showcasing countless examples of staff going above and beyond in their duties to improve the traveller journey, ranging from airline employees and retailers to volunteers and security staff,” said Mr Strambi.
“On behalf of Melbourne Airport I am so proud of the contribution our airport community make to their respective businesses, each other and to travellers and it’s a pleasure to reward and recognise them publicly through the Awards program.”
The Melbourne Airport Excellence Awards were judged by a panel including Victorian Tourism Industry Council CEO Felicia Mariani, CEO of the Australian Airports Association Caroline Wilkie and Melbourne AirportHead of Aviation Operations Katie Cooper.
The 2019 Melbourne Airport Excellence Awards’ winners.
Excellence in Commercial Transport – Lisa Goodwin, Skybus
Commercial Transport Operator of the Year –Uber
Excellence in Customer Service – Zaklina ‘Jackie’ Lakovska, IKON Services Australia
Excellence in Customer Service – Volunteer – Neil Atherton-King
Excellence in Teamwork & Collaboration – Wendi Pearce, Scott Dullard, Travis Brown, Jill Coppack (Melbourne Airport) and Sarah Jacobson (Bevington Group).
Excellence in Hospitality – Mark Di Donato, Icons
Hospitality Venue of the Year – Urban Provodore
Excellence in Retail – Chloe Scilio, Billabong
Retailer of the Year – Australian Produce
Contract Service Provider of the Year – Programmed Facility Management
Business Partner of the Year – Printing Intelligence
Lounge of the Year – Qantas First Lounge
Spotlight Award –Melbourne Jet Base
Barista of the Year – Jimmy Tran, ST. ALi
Excellence in Aviation –Nadia Francken, Cathy Pacific Airways
Airline of the Year – Japan Airlines
Marc Storti Award for Safety – Matthew Loughnan, dnata Airport Services
Chairman’s Award for Excellence – Nadia Francken, Cathay Pacific Airways
The Barista of the Year Award category was reviewed by World Barista Judge™ Justin Metcalf, along with Melbourne Airport staff and the Lounge of the Year category was judged by representatives from Luxury Escapes, Herald Sun, Hoyne and Melbourne Airport.
The Safety Award was judged separately in consultation with WorkSafe Victoria.
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