Kiwis honoured in prestigious VAI Salute to Excellence Awards
One of our members is among the three New Zealand helicopter organisations honoured in Vertical Aviation International (VAI)’s prestigious Salute to Excellence Awards announced this week.
In a celebration of professional excellence, the winners of this international award highlights the contributions of aviation to emergency response and community resilience. This well-deserved recognition not only validates the exceptional initial and ongoing efforts across our region but also illustrates the social impact of aviation beyond its economic dimensions.
The award underscores the critical role of emergency relief services, as exemplified by the vital support provided during challenging events like Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, demonstrating how aviation professionals go above and beyond to support New Zealand communities in times of urgent need.
Salute to Excellence Humanitarian Service Award (Sponsor: POWER UP magazine)
AIANZ Member Helicopters Hawkes Bay, along with Rotorforce New Zealand, and No. 3 Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force are collectively awarded the 2025 Salute to Excellence Humanitarian Service Award for their crucial roles during Cyclone Gabrielle’s devastation of New Zealand’s North Island in February 2023.
The three organisations showcased the critical utility of helicopters in disaster response, engaging in lifesaving operations amid record flooding and widespread destruction that isolated many communities. Their operations included dramatic rescues of stranded individuals, transport of essential supplies, and restoration efforts, with the helicopters also facilitating communication where traditional means failed.
The combined efforts of these teams, which continued for eight weeks, were instrumental in saving approximately 400 people in the initial days of the storm, demonstrating extraordinary coordination and bravery in the face of natural disaster.
About VAI Salute to Excellence Awards
This annual program is dedicated to recognising the extraordinary achievements and unwavering commitment of professionals within the vertical aviation industry.
Celebrating the best of the best in vertical flight, Salute to Excellence highlights outstanding contributions from pilots, maintenance technicians, operators, and safety professionals who set the highest standards of professionalism and safety in the field.
“We proudly recognize the exceptional talents and steadfast commitment of this year’s Salute to Excellence awardees,” said James Viola, VAI president and CEO.
“Their dedication to advancing safety, innovation, and professionalism within vertical aviation not only reflects the highest standards of our industry but also continuously pushes the boundaries of what is possible, ensuring a safer and more successful future for all of us in this community.”
Focused exclusively on the vertical aviation industry, the awards acknowledge those who are at the forefront of operational excellence.
The awards span multiple categories, ensuring a comprehensive acknowledgment of the diverse roles and exceptional dedication displayed across the industry.
The core purpose of Salute to Excellence is to honour those who not only uphold but exceed the standards of safety, professionalism, and quality that define high-performing vertical flight operations. These winners embody the spirit of excellence that VAI strives to promote throughout the vertical aviation community.
Read the full VAI Press Release here.