BOSTON -- Boston Logan International Airport was chosen to be 2008 airport of the year by the Air Line Pilots Association.

“Boston Logan leads the U.S. in several categories when it comes to improved aviation safety for the traveling public,” said Capt. Rory Kay, ALPA’s executive air safety chairman.

ALPA said Logan has made extensive efforts to reduce runway incursions and excursions through enhance marking and technologies.

“Pilots like it because they can see the improvements that the Massachusetts Port Authority has implemented over the years -- from better runway signage, markings, and new runway status lights to more taxiways, every project makes a difference,” said Kay.

Logan has also continued to improve its airport safety, airfield improvement and emergency planning with new advance technologies, according to ALPA.

“Boston has even delivered several initiatives, like the enhanced runway marking and signage project, ahead of schedule and gone above and beyond the FAA regulations to make its airport safer,” said Capt. Robert Perkins, ALPA’s airport ground environment group chairman. “It’s clear that their management and workers place a high premium on collaboration with all industry representatives to get the job done.”

Massport said it is honored the airport received the recognition.

“This award not only signifies that the airport gets it when it comes to making pilots key players on our safety team, it also represents a strong vote of confidence about the work we do to improve safety,” said Edward C. Freni, director of aviation for Massport.

ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing 55,000 members at 40 airlines in the U.S. and Canada.