Excellent service can earn you a big smile. Sometimes it can even save a life.

Last year, an airline employee at one of Hong Kong International Airport's (HKIA) check-in counters noticed that a newborn was having trouble breathing. The employee rushed the mother and child to an airport clinic. The infant was examined and sent to hospital, where he was treated for a potentially fatal heart condition. The airline employee's quick thinking and clinic staff's prompt action were a lifesaver.

Not every customer interaction is this dramatic. But this incident embodies the attention to detail and passion for customer service that unites the 60,000 professionals who comprise the HKIA family.

On March 27, Airport Authority Hong Kong acknowledged 131 staff - from airlines, ground handling agents, the tourism and travel industry, transport operators, retail and catering licensees, government departments, airport security, service contractors and the Airport Authority Hong Kong - who delivered outstanding customer service during the past year.

Speaking at the HKIA Best Service Awards, which is part of the airport's annual Customer Services Excellence Programme, Airport Authority Hong Kong's Chief Executive Officer Mr Stanley Hui said, "HKIA's reputation as one the of world's best airports is a direct result of our staff's commitment to customer service. I'd like to thank each of our winners for setting such a powerful, positive example."

The Hon Mrs Selina Chow, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, commended the awardees on their dedication to customer service excellence. "It's indeed gratifying to see that the number of award winners has increased substantially by 50 to 131 this year, fully showcasing the effectiveness of the Customer Services Excellence Programme in inspiring the 60,000-strong workforce at the airport to strive for higher service standards," she said. "It also underlines the increased recognition of our airport staff's outstanding services and hospitality."

Photograph 1: Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board the Hon Mrs Selina Chow commended the awardees on their dedication to customer service excellence.

Photograph 2: Airport Authority Hong Kong's Chief Executive Officer Mr Stanley Hui said commitment to provide outstanding service to our customers is embraced by all 60,000 airport staff.

Photograph 3: Ms Bernice Liu, one of the officiating guests, presented the award certificate to Mr Y F Wong, Airport Authority Hong Kong's General Manager, Terminal, and other service partners.

Photograph 4: Cathay Pacific's Daisy Wong and Marian Chang (1st and 2nd on the left) and airport clinic's nurse Susan Cheng (1st on the right) walked an extra mile to save the baby having difficulty breathing.

Photograph 5: On behalf of the airport staff, (from left to right) Ms Bernice Liu, Mr Hui, Mrs Chow and Airport Authority Hong Kong's Airport Management Director Mr Howard Eng pledged to provide excellent customer services.

Photograph 6: All the officiating guests and awardees spoke out loud this year's slogan - "Go the extra mile to win a bigger smile".