Bournemouth airline with just one plane voted third best in world
20.06.08
A small Bournemouth Airport based airline with just one 34-year-old Boeing 737 has been named the third best in the world in the annual Which? Awards. It was also voted best for short-haul.
The company was founded in 1957 by Peter Bath, Palmair European flies no more than twice a day, has a worker who does the seating plans on her kitchen table and carries only 70,000 passengers a year, but it beat BA and Virgin Atlantic plus 64 others in the Which? poll for best experience and value for money.
Founded 51 years ago and employing 50 staff, Palmair flies to 14 European destinations including Spain, Tenerife, Portugal, Corfu and Croatia. Worker Teresia Rossello greets every passenger and then waves them off at Bournemouth Airport in Dorset (something Mr Bath did until he died in 2006). And there are no night flights as they are considered antisocial.
Singapore Airlines was been voted the Best Airline, with Jet Airways second and Palmair in joint third with Air New Zealand. Palmair Managing director David Skillicorn said: 'Singapore Airlines has 100 planes including the A380 which is the largest plane in service, onboard massages and a choice of DVDs. All we can offer is the choice of tea or coffee - that is why I feel so flattered.'
Which? Holiday editor Lorna Cowan said: ‘Palmair may be small, but it punches above its weight and proves that short-haul airlines really can keep their customers satisfied. We often hear about long delays and lost baggage, but the Which? Best Airline Award is about recognising those airlines that make getting to your destination an enjoyable part of the travel experience - where you can check-in with the minimum of fuss, there’s a decent in-flight service and the price is right, too.’
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