**CNN Press release 19 November 2010**

CNN journalist Ayesha Durgahee named Business Travel News Journalist of the Year

CNN International correspondent Ayesha Durgahee was honoured last night when she was awarded Business Travel News Journalist of the Year at the 2010 Business Travel Journalism Awards.

At a ceremony at The May Fair Hotel last night, Ayesha won for her CNN report on the quality of cabin air on flights.

On Ayesha's winning entry, the judging panel, chaired by Dominic Ponsford, editor of the Press Gazette, said: "The panel was extremely impressed with Ayesha's piece on 'Aero-toxic Syndrome' highlighting how air supplies onboard aircraft can become toxic and cause crew, pilots and passengers to become very ill. The piece gripped the judges who described it as 'an international scoop... a very strong story, and one that could and should be picked up by the wider media."

The judges also praised her use of graphics, copy, in-depth interviews with scientists and grounded pilots, plus pieces to camera throughout the piece.

Deborah Rayner, managing editor CNN Europe & Africa said: "Congratulations to Ayesha from all of us at CNN. Aviation and travel issues have played such a huge part in our coverage in the past 12 months, so to be recognised in this way is fantastic. Ayesha is an exciting new talent, who has a very bright future ahead of her."

The awards, now in their seventh year, seek to recognise and reward the very best in business travel journalism. Organised and promoted by Carlson Wagonlit Travel, the 2010 awards emphasise the achievement of individual journalists.

The judging panel members included journalists as well as business travel managers and industry experts.