LAN Airlines has once again been selected Best Airline in Central/South America and the Caribbean at the annual Airline Industry Awards presented by Official Airline Guide (OAG), the world leader in air travel information.

This year marks the 27th anniversary of the awards, which are considered the “Oscars of the Airline Industry” because they are voted for by frequent flyers around the world who choose the best international companies and airports.

Winners are chosen through a survey that asks frequent flyers to rank the top three airlines among those they have flown over the past 12 months in each of the award categories.

“We are proud to distribute the 2009 OAG Airline Industry Awards to airlines and airports who work hard every day to give travelers the best flying experience possible,” stated Peter von Moltke, CEO of UBM Aviation.

 Responding to the award announcement, Armando Valdivieso, LAN’s CEO Passenger, said that “We are honored to receive this important distinction, which reflects the opinions of demanding customers from around the globe, and will continue working to offer the best flight experience with the excellent service and high safety standards that have distinguished LAN internationally.”

Among the other oneworld alliance companies that received awards were Qantas, for Best Airline based in Australasia/Pacific, and British Airways, winner in the Best Economy/Coach Class category.