Sydney June 27, 2003: Flight Centre, American Express, Travel.com.au, Travelworld Alice Springs, Travelplan and Rosenbluth International have been recognised for their successes at the inaugural annual United Airlines Top Supporter Awards in Sydney.

The five agencies each were named as best in their category at last night's United Awards presentation dinner.

Travelworld, NGT Travel - Travelscene, Cruiseco and BTI Australia were also recognised with Awards.

United Airlines country manager Stephen Pearse told more than 60 travel agents and partners at the dinner that the Awards recognise top supporters during one of the most challenging times in the travel industry's history.

"United Airlines acknowledges that travel agents are working harder than ever," Mr Pearse said.

"The last two years have seen tremendous change in the travel industry and at United. We want all travel agents to know that United remains committed to offering a superior product at a competitive price - and to continue enhancing our relationship with the travel agent community even further."

United Airlines Top Supporter Award winners are: Top Performing Retail Chain - Flight Centre

Top Performing Agent - Travelworld Alice Springs

Most Improved Retail Chain - Travelworld

Most Improved Agent - NGT Travel - Travelscene Most Improved Wholesaler - Cruiseco

Top Corporate Travel Manager - American Express

Most Improved Corporate Travel Manager - BTI Australia

Top E-ticket Chain - Rosenbluth International

Top E-ticket Agent - Travel.com.au

Top Performing Wholesaler - Travelplan

Mr. Pearse also noted that over the past 12 months United's employees have achieved the best overall operational performance in the company's 77-year history and since May has reintroduced over 216 flights across the network.

"United continues to deliver product innovations including our recent introduction of onboard email services, easy check-in via Check-in kiosks at major hub terminals and services such as Economy Plus offering extra leg-room for business travellers. And of course Mileage Plus, the frequent flyer program that has consistently been voted No.1 in the industry".

As he presented the Awards, Mr. Pearse also announced that United is increasing the standard IATA commission to 9% for all travel agents in Australia from June 30.

"This commission increase puts us on a level playing field in the Australian market," said Mr. Pearse. "Travel agents now have yet another reason to book passengers with United."

Mr. Pearse said United is making excellent progress through its business transformation plan, and highlighted a series of successful local marketing and sales initiatives in Australia.

"In Australia we have worked extremely hard to continue delivering 'business as usual'," said Mr. Pearse. "And we are planning further programs to give Australian travellers even more reasons to visit the US with United."

The United Airlines Top Supporters Awards are an annual event to recognise the contribution of United's top agents and industry partners. Recognition is based on United support delivered during the previous calendar year.

United Airlines is the only airline to offer a daily service from Australia to Los Angeles and San Francisco and the only airline to offer a direct flight from Australia to San Francisco. United operates over 1,700 flights a day on a route network that spans the globe. News releases and other information about United may be found at the company's Web site at www.unitedairlines.com.au

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