OREANDA-NEWS. For the first time in its history Aeroflot was awarded by EF Education First ICE Awards “For outstanding achievements in the internationalization of business and society”. The solemn ceremony was held within XV Anniversary HR Directors Summit of Russia and CIS.

This large-scale project was conducted by Aeroflot in cooperation with EF Education First - the world leader in language training in order to improve linguistic competence of the staff.

During the last two years of successful work more than 1 thousand Aeroflot employees have improved their level of the English language. Aeroflot demonstrated record results in improving language skills among other companies.

In the new academic year 2014-2015 more than 1,5 thousand Aeroflot employees will improve their English language skills by using EF innovative education methods.

This high award is a confirmation of the strategic contribution of Aeroflot in the professional development of its staff and strengthening company's position in the Russian and international aviation market.

ICE Awards (International Collaboration Excellence) were established in 2012 and are given annually for the outstanding achievements in the field of internationalization of business and contribution to the development of international relations and intercultural communication of the society.

Aeroflot is Russia's flagship carrier and one of the largest airline groups in Europe. In 2013, its 90th anniversary year, Aeroflot carried 20.9 million passengers (31.4 million passengers as Aeroflot Group including subsidiaries), a record for any Russian airline. A proud member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance, Aeroflot and its partners serve more than 1,000 destinations in 177 countries worldwide. Aeroflot operates the youngest fleet in the World (among the major airlines), numbering 153 Airbus, Boeing and Sukhoi airliners. Aeroflot is among the global leaders in aviation safety. The company's European Community Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) Index, which is the main globally recognized safety parameter, is comparable to global peers. The first Russian carrier to enter the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) register, renewing its registration for the fifth time in 2013, Aeroflot has successfully passed the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) and is fully ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 compliant. In 2014 Aeroflot was named by SKYTRAX as the Best Airline in Eastern Europe for the third time.