WestJet Airlines, Canada’s second-largest carrier with about 40 percent market share, today was named the 2014 Value Airline of the Year by Air Transport World magazine, which is celebrating its 40th year of handing out global airlines industry achievement awards.

In a statement, ATW Editor-in-Chief Karen Walker said WestJet was a worthy recipient, noting the airline “routinely is recognized as one of country's top overall companies and has the kind of stellar customer service reputation that has eluded most North American airlines in recent years.

In 2013, WestJet launched a new regional airline called WestJet Encore, bringing lower fares and high value to smaller communities in Canada. 2013 was the carrier's ninth consecutive year of profitability — it even stayed in the black through the 2008 global financial crisis. For the full-year 2012, the company earned a 13.7 per cent return on invested capital.”

WestJet is on a roll. The award comes barely a month after the airline received critical acclaim – not to mention some universal internet love – after a public relations move in which it asked passengers at one destination what they were hoping for for Christmas, and then bought, wrapped and had the presents come out at baggage claim on the other end.

WestJet has scheduled service to more than 85 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. That figure is bumped to 120 destinations taking into account WestJet Encore’s partnerships with other major airlines.

“To be recognized globally for value is an enormous honour and a testament to the hard work of our nearly 10,000 WestJetters,” Gregg Saretsky, President and CEO of WestJet, said in a press release. “Value, along with our caring corporate culture, is our DNA. We strive every day to bring value to our guests and we are grateful for their loyalty and support. We are very proud to win this award and especially, in a category so close to our hearts.”

This is the first time WestJet has won the ATW award, which will be presented in Singapore on Feb. 10 at a dinner on the eve of the Singapore Air Show.

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