The Budgies have been created to honor and generate public recognition of the efforts, accomplishments, and positive contributions of companies and individuals in the low cost airline industry. They take place every year during the World Low Cost Airline congress. Here are 2009 finalists and winners:
Best Low Cost Airline
Air Asia X
Air Arabia
airBaltic
Norwegian
Ryanair - WINNER
Spicejet
CEO of the Year
Azran Osman Rani (Air Asia X)
Ben Baldanza (Spirit)
Maury Gallagher (Allegiant) - WINNER
Michael O'Leary (Ryanair)
Sean Durfy (WestJet)
Tony Fernandes (Air Asia)
Innovation Award
Air Asia X
Allegiant
Amadeus in Partnership with Vueling
SR Technics
Vueling - WINNER
Best Website
Air Asia
Jetblue - WINNER
Norwegian
WizzAir
Special Merit for the Commitment to the Environment
Easyjet - WINNER
Virgin Blue
Best Airport
Amsterdam
Baltimore (Washington)
Istanbul (Sabiha)
Marseille - WINNER
Sharjah