Airlec, France's oldest business aviation company, has been awarded the Baltic Air Charter Association's Humanitarian Award for its work during the Ebola crisis in west Africa. Says MD and pilot Paul Tiba: “I am delighted and honoured to receive this prestigious award. During the Ebola crisis we instinctively knew we had to act and were confident that our aircraft and team were equipped to carry out the flights.”

BACA chairman Tony Coe adds: “Paul and his team at Airlec demonstrated courage above and beyond the call of duty. Despite the risks and official advice to avoid the area, Paul flew in and evacuated a patient back to Norway. Then he went back and did it again, a total of eight times.

“The outstanding courage of Airlec immediately identified it as a deserving recipient for the Humanitarian Award. The company has demonstrated courage and conviction in carrying out an incredible number of evacuations.”