Welcoming the participants, Dr Kostas Iatrou, President of the Air Transport Awards, said:“Since their establishment in 2012, the Air Transport Awards have recognized the leaders of our industry on the basis of their outstanding achievements. These awards celebrate innovation, excellence, and dedication within the global air transport sector. Each year, they bring together leading organizations, companies, and distinguished personalities whose vision and commitment contribute significantly to the development, progress, and sustainability of aviation worldwide. It is a great honor to welcome you all today as we acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of individuals and organizations that continue to shape the future of air transport and inspire the next generation of aviation leaders.”
“Being honored with the title of ‘Airport of the Year’ for the sixth consecutive time at the Air Transport Awards, one of the most prestigious platforms in the aviation sector, is a testament to iGA Istanbul Airport’s standing, not just as a globally connected aviation hub, but also to its status as an ecosystem that sets world-class industry standards. Since the inauguration, our vision of uncompromising excellence and providing an ‘unparalleled guest experience’ has evolved into leadership that today shapes the sector in the fields of technology, sustainability, and passenger experience. By blending Turkish hospitality with digital innovation, we will steadfastly continue to build the future of aviation today and to define the global trajectory of the industry."
"As for the ‘ATN Individual Award’ bestowed upon me, I regard it not as an personal accolade, but as a collective reflection of the dedication and efforts of the thousands of colleagues who push the boundaries of aviation every day. Leadership gains meaning only through powerful synergy of the team behind it; this honor belongs to the entire İGA family who believe in our shared vision. With my unwavering belief that ‘great work can only be achieved with great people,’ I extend my deepest gratitude to every hero who has contributed to this success story.” added Selahattin Bilgen, CEO, iGA Istanbul Airport
Angelos Astrinidis, CEO of avibright: “Thank you sincerely for this honor. This recognition is not only personal — it belongs to the entire aviBright team, whose dedication, expertise, and belief in our vision have made this journey possible. We started ten years ago as a local provider with a simple goal: to improve airline operations through technology. Today, as we expand globally and partner with leading airlines, we remain guided by the same values — innovation, reliability, and long-term commitment. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to ATN for organizing this important event, and to Dr. Kostas Iatrou for his leadership and contribution to our industry. I am truly grateful for the trust of our partners and the hard work of our people, and I accept this award on behalf of all of them.”
We are deeply honored to receive the ATN International Organisation Award and grateful to Kostas Iatrou and the Air Transport Awards team for this recognition. It is especially meaningful to follow such respected previous recipients who have helped strengthen the global aviation industry. Regional aviation is, at its heart, about people and connection. It helps communities stay linked to opportunity, to care, to commerce, and to the people who matter most in their lives. We are proud to accept this award on behalf of the regional airline sector and the vital connectivity it provides every day.
"Star Alliance is truly honoured to be recognised once again at the Air Transport Awards," said Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias. "This victory is a reflection of our unwavering commitment and the tireless dedication of our member airlines to enhancing the customer experience.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation: “Accepting this award is another proud moment for Embraer, following a year of record results, sales, and growth in 2025, 2026 is shaping up to be another blockbuster year. Total company revenues reached a historic high, and our firm order backlog set a new record at US$ 31.6 billion – clear proof that Embraer’s strategy is delivering results worldwide. The E2 continues to lead the market, securing 131 firm orders in 2025 compared with 44 for our competitor, representing a 75% market share for Embraer. This award recognizes not only our success, but also the passion and dedication of the Embraer team and our valued partners. Thank you.”
Mehmet T. Nane, Chairperson of the Board of Pegasus Airlines, stated: “Receiving the Airline of the Year award from the Air Transport Awards for the second consecutive year is a deep honour - and a reflection of something more than a single strong performance. It reflects the resilience and financial discipline we have built into Pegasus Airlines, and the dedication of every team member whose work makes that possible. Over recent years, we have taken significant steps to integrate environmental and social responsibility across our operations - progressing our climate transition roadmap, maintaining one of the youngest fleets in the world, embedding sustainability into our financial strategy from treasury operations to ESG-linked structures, and advancing diversity, inclusion and gender balance across our organisation. In parallel, our digital transformation continues to enhance how we serve our guests through smarter and more seamless travel experiences. As we look ahead, we remain focused on responsible growth and bringing people closer together, while continuing to drive innovation and support a more sustainable future for aviation.”
“On behalf of Korn Ferry and our Civil Aviation Practice, I am truly honored to receive the 2026 HERMES Award. Our focus at Korn Ferry is on advancing leadership in the global aviation industry, so I can think of no better way to do so than to partner with HERMES and Athens International Airport on the Air Transport Hall of Fame which recognized leaders who have shaped the industry for our collective benefit. I am privileged to have the opportunity to contribute to the evolution of our industry through recognizing its outstanding leaders and look forward to many more years of productive partnership with HERMES in that regard.” said Michael Bell recipient of the award.
Prof Martin Dresner, Chair, ATRS: “I am deeply honored to receive Katerina & George Iatrou” Lifetime Achievement Award, especially since it honors the parents of Hermes' founder, Dr. Iatrou. I've been fortunate to have worked on many aviation research projects over the past 40 years, contributing just a little to our understanding of this dynamic industry. Receiving this award, I believe, is not just a recognition of my contributions but, in general, to the value of aviation research.”
“I am truly honoured to receive the 2026 Leader of the Year award. This award goes to each and every member of the ACI EUROPE team, whose passion and commitment to our sector and the service they provide to our airport members inspires me every day. Charting the way forward for the airport business with an uncompromising focus on sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation and stakeholder cooperation is what drives us. These efforts are all about guiding airports towards a new value creation model to future proof their business, air connectivity, and the wide range of socio-economic benefits they provide to their communities and our continent. Leading ACI EUROPE and working not just within the ACI federation but with the entire aviation sector is a privilege - as is receiving this award.” said Olivier Jankovec, Director General, ACI EUROPE
In particular, the winners by category are as follows:
-ATN Individual Award: Selahattin Bilgen, CEO, iGA Istanbul Airport
-ATN Corporate Award: avibright
-ATN International Organisation Award: RAA - Regional Airline Association
-Alliance of the Year: Star Alliance
-Manufacturer of the Year: Embraer
-Airport of the Year: iGA Istanbul Airport
-Airline of the Year: Pegasus Airlines
-“Katerina & George Iatrou” Lifetime Achievement Award: Prof Martin Dresner, Chair, ATRS
-Leader of the Year: Olivier Jankovec, Director General, ACI EUROPE
About the Air Transport Awards
The Air Transport Awards are international distinctions established to honor and promote excellence within the global air transport industry. These awards recognize outstanding achievements, innovation, and leadership that contribute to the advancement and development of aviation worldwide.
Presented annually, the awards are bestowed upon organizations, companies, and distinguished leaders of the air transport sector whose contributions have significantly enhanced the growth, quality, and sustainability of the industry.
Tags: Selahattin Bilgen, iGA Istanbul Airport Angelos Astrinidis, avibright Olivier Jankovec, ACI EUROPE Air Transport Awards ceremony
