Features Operations
Leading Edge: And the winner is . . .

Spring is a time for high-profile entertainment awards – from the hoopla of the Oscars and the dressed-up divas on the red carpet, to the brilliant performances of rockers at the Grammy’s, to the sophistication of the Tony’s, and more.

It’s a celebration of excellence on a grand scale, the crème de la crème of many of our entertainment leaders. For the nominees – and of course the lucky winners – it’s a time to chronicle excellence for another year, to mark the time in an industry that inspires and excites the masses.

At Wings and Helicopters, we certainly can’t match the pomp and circumstance of the red carpet pizzazz or the spectacular performances of Hollywood’s top performers, but no matter – we wholeheartedly embrace the chance to shell out the hardware with our own awards in two very-important verticals within our impressive markets. Call them the “Oscars of Canadian aviation,” if you will. These awards  highlight excellence and achievements in the Canadian industry.

We kick off two important award programs each spring with our annual search for top aviation and aerospace talent with our Top 10 Under 40 program, and our search for the Top FBOs in Canada.

Our second annual Top 10 Under 40 program this year grew by leaps and bounds, as fixed- and rotary-wing operators and firms nationwide jumped at the chance to recognize their most influential employees under the age of 40. Nominated in most cases by top members of these companies’ management teams, the inspiring individuals represent overachievers in a variety of professions, including pilots, AMEs, aviation executives, COOs, aviation lawyers and more.

All winners share a commitment to the growth of their firms, but they also show a high devotion to aviation and aerospace as a whole and a desire to help Canada continue to make its mark in the global marketplace. Often, their leadership skills extend to mentoring and nurturing the youth of tomorrow, helping them see the relevance of an aviation career and the value it brings on so many levels.

I am also happy to report that participation in this year’s awards program was so overwhelming that we included 10 additional winners – a Top 20 Under 40 – with many more highly qualified competitors just missing the mark. The achievements, goals and influence within the industry of these outstanding young aviators are chronicled in “Flying Above the Crowd” on page 16.

Like the Top 10 Under 40, Wing’s annual quest to find the top Canadian FBOs, fuel providers and others has also grown over the past number of years – and more surprises are likely afoot this year. Driven by a relentless desire to exceed customers’ needs, past winners show high levels of commitment to ensuring all the tiny details are met on so many key levels. As Zoran Bratujevic, president/CEO of three-time national winner Starlink/Signature Montreal has told me on numerous occasions, it’s all about sweating the small stuff – employees who live and breathe the corporate mandate and “get it” on all levels. Please stay tuned, our fourth annual FBO winners will be announced in the September/October issue of Wings.

In the end, it’s all about a high commitment to excellence – flying above the crowd to deliver results that exceed all expectations. It’s the driving force that all award winners of both our Top 20 Under 40 and Top Canadian FBO programs share. And no, winning these awards won’t get you the glitter of a red carpet appearance . . . but it’s still a special achievement, one that needs to be recognized and celebrated within the industry. Congratulations to all of our winners, very well deserved!