The Outstanding Service Award is presented to individuals whose actions go far beyond the call of duty. The individuals are nominated by their airline or airport.

BMED Sales Manager wins OAG Outstanding Service Award 2007.
Maria Sabbah, BMED Sales Manager in Lebanon, was presented with the OAG Outstanding Service Award 2007 for her dedication and inspiring leadership during the aftermath of the air attacks on Beirut that shut its international airport on July 13, 2006.

Maria, who received her award on the night from BMED CEO, David Richardson, helped hundreds of stranded passengers to find their way home safely from Lebanon. She was also personally involved in making arrangements for the special BMED humanitarian flight carrying aid agency personnel and urgent medical supplies. This was the first international flight into Lebanon following the cease-fire.

“Facing up to the realities of a country in turmoil and the needs of people in distress required exceptional levels of human endeavour,” explained Richardson. “With Beirut’s air links cut and most airline offices closed, it fell to Maria and our BMED team to help passengers, from BMED and other carriers, stranded in the city. Our team’s dedication to maintaining outstanding airline customer service in conditions of great difficulty and danger was an inspiration, not just for BMED but also for the industry as a whole.”

Maria flew from Beirut to London for the awards with members of the BMED Lebanon team and was presented to HRH The Princess Royal.

“When I first received news of this award, I could hardly believe it,” Maria said. “This is indeed an honour. Those days in Beirut last summer were dark, dangerous and distressing for so many people. We were just getting on with a job that simply had to be done. I have to say that it would have been so much more difficult without the paramount support of my BMED colleagues at head office in London. I am grateful to them and – of course – to OAG for this very special award. I accept it on behalf of our entire Beirut team.”

Maria was nominated for this award by her colleagues for her actions throughout the 10-week emergency and for displaying bravery and commitment far beyond the call of duty.