United Airlines awarded 11 employees new Ford vehicles on Oct. 14 in recognition of their perfect attendance during a six-month period.

Bothell resident Maria Jose Morante Sanz, a United flight attendant based at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, was one of the employees recognized for achieving perfect attendance. She accepted the keys to a new 2015 Ford Escape from Jeff Smisek, chairman, president and CEO of United.

“Coming to work on time day after day is no easy task,” said Donna Towle, vice president of employee relations at United. “But that’s the level of dedication it takes to deliver a reliable, flyer-friendly experience for our customers. Fortunately, we have some of the best employees in the business, and this program is one way we recognize their commitment.”

The employees, representing seven work groups, each achieved perfect attendance during at least one of two six-month periods beginning Jan. 1, 2013. Thousands of employees were eligible, and United randomly selected 11 winners in a drawing in April. Each winner could choose among four Ford models – the Escape, Explorer, Fusion Hybrid and Taurus.