Five European Companies Recognized With Flying Safety Awards

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today announced the recipients of the 2010 EBAA Flying Safety Awards, given to five organizations for outstanding safety records. The awards were presented May 2 at the Bombardier 4th Annual Safety Standdown Europe reception.

Dassault Falcon Service received the 2010 Platinum Safety of Flight Award (50 years or 100,000 hours without an accident) for its ongoing exemplary flight record. Other companies honored were: Tyrolean Jet Services and Abelag Aviation, recipients of the 2010 Gold Safety of Flight Award (40 years or 80,000 hours without an accident); Tyrol Air Ambulance, recipient of the 2010 Silver Safety of Flight Award (30 years or 60,000 hours without an accident); and VistaJet Luftfahrtunternehmen, recipient of the 2010 Bronze Safety of Flight Award (20 years or 40,000 hours without an accident).

The Flying Safety Awards represent the highest standards of aviation maintenance and flight operations in safe hours flown.

“Safety is certainly the top concern for the people in our industry, and we’ve got the data to prove that we are seriously committed to achieving the highest safety standards possible,” said Brian Humphries, EBAA president and CEO. “These outstanding companies are examples of how this dedication to safe operations adds up to exemplary records.”

“Our organizations work throughout the year to facilitate development and dissemination of best safety practices for business aviation operations, and part of this effort is to honor and recognize the records of achievement in maintaining safe flying operations that these five organizations exemplify,” said Ed Bolen, NBAA president and CEO.

Humphries also said that safety required a year-round focus, and that the EBAA members worked daily with government and industry officials to enhance the already good safety record.

"We represent the business aviation community before the European Aviation Safety Agency, or EASA, which will soon be the only authority for safety regulation in the EU,” he said.

In addition, he said EBAA also worked with the International Business Aviation Council to develop safety management systems and other industry standards of best practice.

Offered by Bombardier in partnership with NBAA and EBAA, the 4th Annual Safety Standdown Europe is a non-commercial effort to improve business aviation safety by combining skill-based training with knowledge-based training. It is held annually in conjunction with the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE), to be held this week from May 4 to 6 in Geneva, Switzerland. Learn more about these events at www.ebace.aero.