Las Vegas-headquartered Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters has received two Diamond Awards from the FAA for excellence in maintenance and compliance.

Founded in 1991, the FAA Diamond Awards are considered the highest industry honours within the William O'Brien Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Awards programme. The first AMT Diamond Award of Excellence was for Papillon's Part 135 air carrier and operation certificate. Air carriers achieve this status by ensuring 100 per cent of their certificated aviation technicians receive William O'Brien Awards for various disciplines. The second AMT Diamond Award of Excellence was given for Papillon's FAA 145 certified repair station, which is a maintenance facility that has an FAA certificate issued under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 145 and is engaged in the maintenance, preventive maintenance, inspection and alteration of aircraft and aircraft products.

In addition to this year's Diamond Awards, Papillon continues to be the only aerial tour company serving Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon to achieve the IS-BAO Stage III designation. Granted by IBAC, this accolade recognises Papillon for achieving the highest level of compliance within IBAC's standard of best practices for aviation operations. IBAC granted Papillon the designation following a rigorous, multi-year audit of its safety practices, safety reporting, dedication to ongoing improvement and overall safety-oriented company culture. Out of more than 6,000 eligible companies worldwide, only 280 aviation companies have achieved this progressive Stage III designation.

“It is an honour to continue to receive these industry awards and recognition,” comments Papillon CEO Brenda Halvorson. “We have an incredible team that deserves to be recognised for its extraordinary dedication to our customers' safety while consistently exceeding industry standards for maintenance and compliance.”