Passengers on an Asiana Airlines' flight relax, putting moisturizing masks on their faces. Asiana Airlines grabbed a Mercury Award for the service. / Courtesy of Asiana Airlines

By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter

Asiana Airlines' ``beauty service'' has won a top award from the International Travel Catering Association.

The carrier grabbed first place in the on-board service category of the Mercury Awards held in Nice, France last Friday. The Mercury Awards from the association are one of the most coveted awards among airline services.

Starting in April 2006, the carrier has offered relaxing, moisture-boosting masks, which help passengers on long-haul flights moisturize their skin in cabins where the humidity is low.

As passengers can refresh themselves after a lengthy flight, the service is popular among not only female passengers but also men. More than 38,000 passengers have enjoyed the service so far.

``We'll improve services more so that we will be able to win all categories of the awards,'' an Asiana executive said.

The carrier has also received Mercury Awards previously for its in-flight magic show by cabin crew in 2003; on-board fashion show of traditional costumes of Korea and other countries in 2005; and in-flight meal ``ssambap'' (steamed rice and barbequed beef in vegetables) in 2006.

rahnita@koreatimes.co.kr