BRITISH Airways' franchise operator, British Regional Airlines, along with sister company, Manx Airlines, beat off stiff competition from over 80 regional airlines in Europe to win 'Airline of the Year'.

British Regional Airlines, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, was named the top airline at a prestigious awards ceremony, which was organised by Regional Airline World magazine. The airline landed the top prize at the first year of the awards ceremony.

The award was presented in front of representatives from the European aviation industry at the Four Seasons hotel at Canary Wharf in London's Docklands.

Mike Bathgate, British Regional Airlines' commercial director, who received the award, said: "We are extremely thrilled to be named 'Airline of the Year' at this top aviation industry awards ceremony. This is an award for all of our employees in the UK and Europe to be proud of. The professionalism of the team is first class and they have worked tremendously to make the airline profitable, against a background of rising fuel prices and falling yields."