Airbus Helicopters Canada has honored Niagara Helicopters as the recipient of the 2018 Innovation in Safety Award.
Niagara Helicopters has had a continuous focus on improving safety throughout its 50 years in operation, including being one of the first operators in Canada to voluntarily implement Safety Management Systems (SMS).
“Safety is fundamental to our industry and this award recognizes the sometimes overlooked measures taken every day to ensure safe operation,” said Romain Trapp, president, Airbus Helicopters Canada and chief operating officer, Airbus Helicopters North America. “Niagara Helicopters has truly cemented its position as an industry leader in service and safety, and we are glad to honor them with this well-deserved award.”
With more than 2,800 flight hours and nearly 100,000 passengers annually, safety has always been at the forefront of Niagara Helicopters’ operations. In 1999, Niagara Helicopters was awarded the highest honor for excellence in aircraft maintenance by Transport Canada.
“This recognition from Airbus on our commitment to safety is a true honor,” said Anna Pierce, vice president and general manager, Niagara Helicopters. “This award belongs to the whole team at Niagara Helicopters who are diligently devoted to safety in all our operations. Every day, we put the safety of our crew, customers and communities above all else.”
Niagara Helicopters, in addition to its charter flights, is instrumental in local search-and-rescue efforts and has received several community service awards for providing assistance in operations conducted by local police forces and firefighters.
This award is presented yearly to an individual or organization whose business initiatives have demonstrated a great impact on the overall goal of safe flying operations. The winner, determined by an award selection committee, receives a C$10,000 prize.
Members of the Innovation and Safety Award selection committee include: Geoff Goodyear, past president and CEO of Universal Helicopters Newfoundland and Labrador LP. and past award recipient; Fred Jones, president and CEO of Helicopter Association of Canada; Mike Reyno, photojournalist and group publisher of MHM Publishing; and Paul Spring, president of Phoenix Heli-Flight Inc., founder of local HERO Foundation and past award recipient.
