Now in their 35th year, and presented by leading trade publication Air Cargo News, the awards are considered the ‘Oscars’ of an industry that transports more than 52m tonnes of goods every year with a market value of $7trn.

The award, within the gift of the Air Cargo News editorial team, recognises the Russian airline’s ambition for network growth utilizing a Boeing 747 freighter fleet. In the past 12 months it has signed a ten-year lease agreement with Belgian freighter hub Liege Airport, launched a cargo capacity guarantee and expanded its services to North America and Asia. This was all in addition to the carrier’s heavylift cargo specialism for consignments that need dedicated freighter uplift with an upswing nose.

The award to AirBridgeCargo was presented to Mariya Musatova, Marketing Director of parent Volga-Dnepr Group by Danita Waterfall-Brizzi, Partner, at award sponsor Dunleavy White Global Executive Search, during a gala dinner at Runnymede Hotel, an event attended by more than 250 air cargo professionals from across the globe.

Roger Hailey, editor of Air Cargo News: “Once again the air cargo industry has proven that innovation and customer service go hand in hand with efficient and secure global supply chains.

“AirBridgeCargo is never out of the headlines for its innovation in global airfreight, both on the ground and in the air. It is a worthy winner of this award for its valuable contribution to air cargo in a highly competitive sector. Congratulations.”

There were a total of 14 categories in the 2019 Cargo Airline of the Year awards, based on a mix of direct voting, company submissions and two awards within the gift of the editorial team.