MyTeam Awards 2019 winners announced

This year, there were even more awards up for grabs, with additional categories including SkyTeam Ambassador, Innovation, Technology, and Customer Experience designed to highlight the extensive work being undertaken across SkyTeam to power the most seamless customer journey of any global alliance.

Just like last year, the judges had a hard time narrowing all the nominations down to the final five, demonstrating the exceptional quality of the submissions we received. In fact, there were some entries which were so close to scooping the top prize that the judges decided it was only fair to include some honourable mentions too.

The following SkyTeam colleagues have been recognised for their dedication and commitment to creating real value for our members and customers:

SkyTeam Ambassador

Winner: Fang Ying – China Eastern

“Fang Ying is a true SkyTeam Ambassador, she has participated consistently and to a high-standard in a range of SkyTeam projects since the very beginning of the collaboration between China Eastern Airlines and the alliance. Fang has actively promoted SkyTeam through an extensive range of channels and tactics, by implementing events, the creation of handbooks and media features, to name just a few. Due to her efforts China Eastern Airlines ranked No.1 (amongst all members) in terms of awareness in research carried out by SkyTeam in 2018.”

Honorable mention: Karen Kaikkonen – Delta Air Lines

“Karen has been a consistent ambassador for SkyTeam within Delta’s global sales organization from day one. As SkyTeam turns 20 years old in 2020, Karen celebrates 20 years of flying the SkyTeam flag; advocating for Delta colleagues to get the most out of their alliance membership and strengthening the connection among sales members in the market.”

Innovation

Winner: Roger Hollandsworth – Delta Air Lines

“Roger’s ability to think methodically through problems paired with his unparalleled knowledge of the business has enabled him to devise innovative, forward-thinking solutions to very complex issues.”

Customer Experience

Winner: Virginie Nameche – Air France

“Virginie launched the new Air France – KLM ‘We care for our customers’ program at international stations to enhance the customer experience by ensuring frontline teams serve customers with empathy and hospitality. The SkyTeam Hospitality & Service Recovery learning & development toolkit was used as supplementary materials to the program. It was shared with all AFKL international stations and their Ambassadors putting learning tools directly in the hands of frontline staff.  An amazing effort to make travel more seamless for all SkyTeam customers.”

Honorable mention: Silvia Luchetti – Alitalia

“Silvia has been nominated for her leadership in implementing SkyTeam Rebooking for AZ. In a challenging environment Silvia managed to deliver for AZ by working with various internal groups and her counterparts from other members. As a result servicing has been enabled at all airports even where there is no ATO.”

Technology

Winner: Andrew Parsons – Delta Air Lines

“Andrew’s support for the project was valuable through the critical roll out phase. His technical and airport expertise helped the team to move forward with implementation for DL even though SNAPP development is not ready. This was key to move forward with IROP handling at airports like JFK, LAX, ORD, ATL, CDG etc. Thanks again for your contributions to SkyTeam Rebooking.”

Dynamic Team

Winner: MCC Italy

Team leader – Andrea Funes – Air Europa

“MCC Italy has demonstrated over many years how to work as a passionate and professional team. They have been able to build and improve tremendously the relationship with the travel agencies by organizing beach volley tournament 10 years in a row, which they have constantly improved with their creativity and hard work. The event has become so popular that trade press are very engaged with SkyTeam in this region. This has continuously strengthened the business relationship between travel agencies and the SkyTeam members.”

Thanks to everyone who shared their nominations to shine a spotlight on their deserving colleagues. We loved hearing about all the shining examples of individual and team excellence that are helping to raise SkyTeam’s profile across the world. In next months InTouch, we’ll be hearing from this years’ winners themselves. 

And remember to keep your eyes open for information about next year’s awards. We’ll be sharing more details on how to get involved very soon. Don’t miss your chance to publicly celebrate your colleagues’ commitment to going the extra mile to make a real difference for every SkyTeam member.