British Airways has been named airline of the year despite losing more bags in 2006 than any other major European carrier.

BA was also voted best transatlantic airline, best Europe-to-Asia and Australasia carrier and best airline based in western Europe by members of the travel information company OAG, who are mainly frequent fliers.

OAG chief executive Alan Glass said: "British Airways performed solidly in just about every category it was eligible for.

"The people that matter, the world's frequent fliers, made it very clear in the way they voted that they like what BA is offering them. British Airways is a very worthy recipient of this year's OAG Airline of the Year Award."

In March, it was revealed BA lost more luggage than any other airline last year and the company was also hit by counter-terrorism measures introduced for passengers' luggage last August that led BA to cancel hundreds of flights.

Last Christmas, BA was also affected by the thick fog that delayed flights at Heathrow.

British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh said: "It's fantastic. It means a great deal to me and for everyone at BA.

"The way our people responded in difficult circumstances was phenomenal. I am so pleased that we have won."

It is the fifth time BA has won the award, but they have waited 19 years since they were last given the top honour.

The awards began in 1982 and Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic are the only other airlines to win the top award five times.

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