Four European companies have been recognised for their safe operations as recipients of the EBAA Safety of Flight Awards, presented at May's EBACE. The award highlights a continued focus on maintaining and improving safety best practices in the companies' flight departments.

Two companies, Robert Bosch GmbH Corporate Aviation and Tyrol Air Ambulance, were given the top platinum award for achieving at least 50 years or 100,000 hours of safe flying.

Tyrol md Manfred Helldoppler says this is the first time an air ambulance company has received the platinum award, adding: “In 2010 and 2011 our safety records were recognised with silver and gold awards. We are really proud that we were able to demonstrate our excellent standards again this year. Our company made safety an important part of the organisational culture.”

VistaJet received the gold award for achieving 40 years or 80,000 hours of safe flying while FAI rent-a-jet AG was given the bronze award for at least 20 years or 40,000 hours without an accident.

EBAA president Brian Humphries says: “I believe it is important that, during each year's EBACE event, we not only work to enhance our approach to business aviation safety, but also take a moment to recognise companies with a long-standing commitment to safety, as shown in their decades-long records for safe light. That's why EBAA created these awards, and we're delighted to recognise these companies.”

Bosch is a leading supplier of technology and services, filing several patents every day and promoting new inventions in areas ranging from automotive technology to power tools.