FAI honoured with two awards at the Middle East Aviation Awards

Monday 27th November 2023

FAI Aviation Group, Germany’s leading global provider of mission-critical aviation services, was honoured at the 2023 Middle East Aviation Awards on 14th November, during the Dubai Airshow. The group scooped two accolades – Air Ambulance Company of the Year Award and the prestigious Aviation Business Innovative Leader Award which was presented to the group’s Dubai-based Managing Director, Barbara Baumgartner.

Barbara Baumgartner accepted both awards on behalf of FAI at a Gala Evening, attended by senior aviation industry leaders. Barbara, who is marking 21 years with FAI in Dubai, commented: “I am delighted to accept these awards at such a special evening and pleased that FAI has been recognised for its exceptional achievements in air ambulance. It is a testament to FAI’s dedication to excellence, safety, and innovation in air ambulance services. The company remains committed to providing world-class medical transport solutions globally, ensuring the highest level of care for patients in their time of need.”

“I am equally honoured to receive the Aviation Business Innovative Leader Award. It reflects the collective efforts of the entire FAI team in embracing innovation and driving excellence in our operations. I am proud to lead such a dynamic and forward-thinking organization in the Middle East," She added.

Siegfried Axtmann, Chairman and Founder FAI Aviation Group, said: “These accolades underscore FAI’s commitment to and success in the region for which I am delighted. Baumgartner has made an outstanding contribution to the aviation industry, most particularly it is her innovative and visionary leadership that has propelled FAI's success in the Middle East. She has achieved substantial strategic growth in the region and expanded FAI’s presence and market share so helping to position the company as a key player in the region’s aviation sector. Congratulations to her.”

As a member of FAI's Executive Strategic Committee, Baumgartner has been a driving force behind the introduction of innovative business practices within FAI. Her commitment to exploring new ideas and technologies has resulted in streamlined operations, enhanced customer experiences, and strengthened FAI's reputation for cutting-edge solutions in aviation. This award acknowledges her role in fostering a culture of innovation within FAI and setting new standards for excellence in the industry.

FAI rent-a-jet is one of the world’s largest air ambulance jet operators. It’s air ambulance operations boasts a diverse and state-of-the-art 10-strong fleet of Bombardier aircraft (Learjet 60, Challenger 604s and Global Express aircraft), equipped with advanced medical technology to handle a wide range of air ambulance missions. This diversity allows FAI to tailor its services to the unique needs of each patient, ensuring the highest level of care during transport which may include some of the most critical and challenging cases in the industry. FAI Air ambulance is supported by more than 250 full-time staff plus 50 part-time physicians, nurses and paramedics. The company also specialises in air support in hostile areas for the world´s largest NGO.

Barbara Baumgartner, FAI's Dubai-basedManaging Director, accepts her award fromDave Bentley, Sales Director Creative MiddleEast Media.

L-R: FAI's Dubai-based team members withthe Air Ambulance Company of the Year Award -Nooruddin Moideen, Fuad Aliyev, BarbaraBaumgartner, Amina Rhazi, Nidhi Sinhaand Murad Obaisat.

About FAI Aviation Group

FAI Aviation Group operates Germany´s largest fleet of Bombardier business jets. The fleet includes five Global Express, six Challenger 604s and seven Learjet 60s. FAI runs a 14,000 m² carbon-neutral fixed-base operation at its Nuremberg, Germany headquarters, employing a staff of close to 300 people, including 100 mechanics and engineers at its MRO`s in Nuremberg and Berlin. FAI´s Group consolidated revenues in 2022 were more than € 130 m with a fleet utilization of more than 12,000 hours of flight time.

FAI was proud to receive the Diamond Safety of Flight Award from the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) in May 2018, marking the highest safety recognition awarded by EBAA to member companies operating business aircraft for 50 years or 100,000 hours without accident. In 2019 FAI received a 10-year anniversary award from MEBAA, reflecting the fact that 20 % of its flying activity is now in the Middle East and was honoured with an Aviation Annual Achievement Award, in recognition of its 30 years of air ambulance and special mission flying.

In 2020 and 2021 FAI received the prestigious Award “Air Ambulance Company of the Year” from ITIJ Magazine.

In 2021, FAI was awarded the Pandemic Response Special Award in recognition of its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2022, FAI was awarded “20 years of Aviation Excellence in the Middle East” by MEA Business at the Aviation Innovation Awards.

FAI is the official partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team.

www.fai.ag