Oct. 19, 2021
NBAA congratulates the Aviation Week Network’s 2021 Laureate Award winners in the business aviation category: Aerobility, the International Aircraft Dealers Association, Pfizer Corporate Flight Department and Pipistrel Velis Electro.
“These four honorees all demonstrate core characteristics of business aviation: community, leadership and integrity,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Through service to their communities by providing opportunities for people with disabilities, accelerating the COVID-19 vaccine efforts, raising the ethics bar in aircraft transactions and innovating to lead the charge in sustainability – these organizations are worthy of the Laureate Award.”
Honorees in the business aviation category included:
- Aerobility, a UK nonprofit, provides people with disabilities an opportunity to fly aircraft. The organization provides ground training sessions, opportunities for young people to learn more about aviation, simulator days and many other activities. Nearly 1,000 people annually take part in Aerobility activities.
- The International Aircraft Dealers Association, formerly the National Aircraft Resale Association, is committed to professional standards, ethics and the exchange of information among its members and the public for to create a more efficient market and provide transparency into the transaction process. The organization, which introduced an accreditation program for aircraft dealers, represents 45 accredited aircraft dealers plus more than 60 other manufacturers and products and services companies.
- Pfizer’s flight department was recognized for its use of its resources to fly dozens of trips transporting lab technicians and clinical trials product in order to accelerate the emergency authorization of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, speeding the vaccine rollout by at least two weeks. The Pfizer BioNTech vaccine was the first to gain U.S. approval.
- Pipistrel Velis Electro is the first company to certify an electrically powered aircraft, receiving EASA type certification in July of 2020. The aircraft not only cuts emissions, but reduces noise by up to 70%, allowing the reintroduction of flight operations during weekends and holidays at airports with nearby populations.
The Laureate Awards recognize accomplishments that embody the spirit of exploration, innovation and vision that inspires others to strive for progress, change and leadership in aviation and aerospace.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.