Expanding Swiss regional carrier SkyWork Airlines received the top award for its innovative, state-of-the-art Apple iPad in the Best In-flight Amenity (short-haul) category at the TravelPlus Awards Reception in London last night. The prestigious event was held in the Royal Suite of The Chesterfield Mayfair and was attended by airline and travel professionals including finalists from the world’s major international and regional airlines who had flown in from as far afield as Dubai, New York and Hong Kong.

SkyWork, which operates 12 weekly flights between London City Airport and the Swiss capital of Bern, is a first time nominee for these awards. It is the first (and so far only) regional airline to offer a tablet device on-board and SkyWork was commended for its innovation by a diverse and distinguished panel of seasoned international traveller judges. “The judges loved the iPad and were very impressed that SkyWork was the first regional airline to introduce it and the only short-haul carrier to currently offer it on board,” said Tomislav Lang, CEO SkyWork Airlines.

The short-haul award category is new for 2012 and SkyWork Airlines is the first short-haul carrier to ever win one of the coveted TravelPlus accolades. Receiving the Award, Steven Schϋller, Online Marketing and Sponsoring, SkyWork Airlines said: “I was delighted to pick up the award for the Best In-flight Amenity (short-haul) ahead of a record number of entries and such strong competition. This award represents the combined efforts of the entire SkyWork Airlines team. It is especially gratifying to have our achievements acknowledged by industry experts.”

SkyWork Airlines began offering its passengers Apple iPads in 2010. The tablet devices come  preloaded with a selection of travel guides, video podcasts, music, video clips, flight schedules, games and magazines available in German, English, French and Spanish making it possible for passengers to enjoy a range of entertainment to suit all ages and tastes.