Southampton International Airport has scooped one of the aviation industry's top awards for the second year running.

The city's rapidly expanding airport collected a gold award at the annual Routes conference held in Amsterdam.

This was the second consecutive year that the BAA-owned airport has been awarded the top vote in the regional category for its marketing strategy.

Southampton International was selected in an open vote by all airlines represented at the conference, totalling more than 200.

In 1999, when Southampton won the gold award for the first time, the panel of judges said the airport had "successfully laid down building blocks for sustainable growth.''

Since then the airport has gone from strength to strength by exceeding its targets and continuing to be one of the fastest growing gateways in the UK, especially in its overseas services which have seen a significant increase in passenger traffic.

Jan Halliday, head of marketing and public affairs, who accepted the award on behalf of airport, said: "The whole Southampton team is committed to the quality of our service to airlines, tour operators, travel agents and passengers.

"We are especially delighted to have won the gold award for a second time as it confirms that our marketing strategy is successful not only for the airport but also for our business partners."

The Routes conference is one of aviation's leading annual events, where airports and airlines from around the world gather to discuss future services and co-operation.

This year the event attracted more than 600 delegates, making it the largest meeting in its six-year history.

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