Sapphire Pegasus Awards honours six of the best

To an ocean backdrop, the 2021 Sapphire Pegasus Awards for aviation excellence were presented on the roof top of the Simpson Bay Hotel Resort during a celebratory buffet dinner coinciding with CARIBAVIA.

Based in Europe and led by Antonia Lukacinova, in the Western Hemisphere, the Awards are co-ordinated by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert, CARIBAVIA conference chairman. Seth Miller, a top aviation influencer, announced the roll call of six professional recipients.

(L to R): Andy Nixon MRO Insider; Curt Epstein, Aviation International News; Capt Kristina Tervo, Wolston Sky; Emma Watson, Heli Riviera; Dr Patricia Ryan, Decision Services; Leif Ytterstad, DaVinci Inflight Training.

The Outstanding Rising Star award went to two individuals - Andy Nixon, Founder and President of MRO Insider and Emma Watson, Managing Director of HeliRiviera/HeliCaribbean, St Martin. Over the past few years Andy has built a global network of more than 120 suppliers and 1,300 aircraft in a shared services platform which redefines the industry with transparency and efficiencies in aviation maintenance. Emma has carved out a niche as an expert in the luxury travel world, focusing on helicopter services and heli-yachting, centred on inter-relations between the Caribbean, its established base in Cote d’Azur, helicopters and yachts.

Dr. Patricia Ryan of Miami, Florida, was this year’s recipient of Outstanding Lifetime Achievement, for her devotion to the aviation world and particularly the airport terminal customer experience. As CEO of Decision Services International, Dr Ryan has consulted with numerous airports on how to optimize the passenger experience from concessions to restaurants and other related services and businesses. She is known as one of North America’s most experienced airport commercial revenue experts.

Recognizing the valuable service aviation journalism brings to the business aviation sector, the Outstanding Journalism award was presented to Curt Epstein, Senior Editor of Aviation International News based in New Jersey. A veteran TV and magazine journalist, Curt’s focus is on airport and FBO coverage as well as regular commentary and insight on sustainable aviation fuels.

The Outstanding Passion for Aviation award was presented to Captain Kristina Tervo of Cannes, France, Managing Director of Wolston Sky. A longtime professional pilot with over 20 years of experience in business and commercial aviation including Emirates. Kristina is a tireless innovator who trains crews around the world about the importance of CRM and how to develop communication and leadership skills.

AIN's Curt Epstein (left) receives his award from Seth Miller.

Leif Ytterstad from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida’s DaVinci Inflight Training Institute was named this year’s Outstanding Trainer. Norwegian-born Leif is a leadng expert in service, etiquette and protocol. Fluent in six languages, he excels in cultural differences and communication, and is a certified private butler, sommelier, bartender, chef and waiter.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 24th June 2021 | Issue #611

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