CAPA Aviation Awards for Excellence – Sendai Airport – Special Airport Leadership Award

The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) this year awarded two special Airport Leadership awards to recognise the community and industry leadership and teamwork displayed by Christchurch International Airport in New Zealand and Sendai Airport in Japan respectively in responding to uniquely challenging circumstances this year.

“In the wake of Japan’s earthquake and subsequent tsunami in March this year, images flashed around the world of Sendai Airport being inundated by sea water, carrying with it thousands of tons of debris. Vehicles, aircraft and helicopters were swept away. This CAPA Award is in recognition of the extreme hardship faced by Sendai and its surrounds and the vital role that Sendai Airport has played in securing its recovery, supported by Japan’s Self Defence Forces, United States Air Force specialists, U.S. Marines and Army, and many Japanese organisations”, concluded Mr. Peter Harbison, Executive Chairman of CAPA.

“Christchurch and the surrounding Canterbury region have suffered extreme hardship over the past year, experiencing two major earthquakes and a succession of subsequent aftershocks. In the aftermath of the February 2011 earthquake, Christchurch Airport and its dedicated team played a vital role in helping restore normalcy to the community, even while its staff were themselves suffering personally. CAPA has the deepest admiration for their efforts over recent months and wish them well in the months ahead”, said Mr Harbison.