As airlines steer their way through the turbulence, a strong and focused management team is a crucial asset. It is in recognition of the central importance of industry leadership that Airline Business has launched the Airline Strategy Awards.
These are dangerous times to be running an airline. A quick run through the top 50 mainline carriers shows that close to half have changed their chief executive over the past couple of years during a turbulent time for the airline boardroom. Only seven of those appeared to be genuinely planned successions. Of the remainder, there was the usual mix of politics, old-fashioned sacking and the occasional scandal. Along the way there have been spectacular falls from grace, including those at British Airways and Air New Zealand. Last year alone saw the entire boards resign at Thai Airways, Swissair and SAS.
Not a good time, apparently, to launch a set of awards designed to recognise airline leadership. But that is what Airline Business has done in announcing the Airline Strategy Awards. And there are no apologies for doing so. While it is true that airline boardrooms have never been under more pressure, it is equally true that sound corporate leadership and a clear strategic vision have never mattered more. As carriers steer their way towards recovery, it is arguable that such leadership will be a crucial differentiator between those groups that succeed and those that risk failure.
While air transport is hardly short of award ceremonies, they have tended to centre on customer service rather than business success or on the airline rather than the individuals who lead it. In contrast, the Airline Strategy Awards are uniquely focused on the main functions which make up a successful airline leadership team, from the chief executive down. The aim is to find those individuals or executive teams which have not only been capable of laying down a sound strategy, but also of seeing it through.
It is that marriage of strategic thinking and practical management that has marked out those chief executives and airlines that have stayed the course. Looking down the list of top 50 airlines, few chief executives have been in place for five years let alone ten. Those such as Jürgen Weber at Lufthansa are the exception rather than the rule, but their presence has helped bring stability and a strong sense of purpose to their airlines. It also allows for smooth succession planning. Witness how Herb Kelleher was able to pass over the mantle at Southwest in a way that other carriers could only imagine. That was possible because of Kelleher's strengths in pursuing a clear vision and taking his employees along with him as he did.
Shortlist search
It is exactly such qualities that the Airline Strategy Awards are designed to recognise. Airline Business is currently working with the Global Aviation Practice of SpencerStuart, one of the world's leading executive search agencies, to create a shortlist of those who have excelled in the past year.
As well as canvassing the views of key international opinion-formers around the world, the Awards are also being thrown open to nominations during the first half of May. Anyone wishing to put a name into the running should simply e-mail or fax brief details. The emphasis is firmly on the strength of the achievement rather than the gloss of the nomination. The final decision will be taken by a senior panel of independent judges, which itself combines a wealth of leadership experience.
The awards will be presented on 21 July in London on the eve of the Farnborough air show. Presentations will take place during a gala dinner in the Great Hall of Lincoln's Inn, one of London's most historic venues, in front of an international audience of senior executives, professionals, investors, business media and policy-makers. A limited number of tables will be available for those who wish to join us there.
AWARD CATOGORIES
Corporate leadership
For the airline executive who has demonstrated outstanding strategic thinking and leadership over the past year. Particular note will be taken of achievements which have wider strategic lessons/applications for the industry at large. Sponsor: AT Kearney.
Regional airline leadership
For leadership at a regional carrier which flies within clear geographic boundaries and provides mainline feed. Criteria include development of new opportunities for the regional sector and interaction with the strategies of mainline partners. Sponsor: Embraer.
Finance
For the individual or team who has demonstrated success in setting financial strategy. Prudent management of balance sheets is of heightened importance, although innovations and a clearly communicated strategy remains key. Sponsor: GE Capital Aviation Services.
Marketing
Open to any senior executive or team who has been responsible for leading strategy in a commercial area, covering sales and marketing, as well as sectors such as strategic alliances, loyalty programmes and product or image development.
Operations
Open to any senior executive or team that has shown strong leadership in the main operating areas of an airline including passenger or cargo divisions, engineering, catering and flight operations.
Technology
Open to any senior executives who have taken the lead on new technology or online sales strategies. Criteria will include the setting of clear strategic goals for delivery of projects, including the new breed of Internet technologies. Sponsor: Amadeus.
CONTACT For nominations or any further details on the Awards contact the Events manager Sallie Edwards on: Fax: +44 (20) 8652 3482 e-mail: sallie.edwards@rbi.co.uk
Source: Airline Business
