The International Business Aviation Council has congratulated Joan Sullivan Garrett on receiving the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy in recognition of her enduring contribution to aviation and leadership in aviation safety.

The Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy is awarded annually by the National Aeronautic Association to a living American for significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States. Garrett’s career reflects the intent of the award through her long-standing efforts to improve aviation safety and emergency medical preparedness worldwide.

Garrett founded MedAire more than 40 years ago and introduced the concept of providing real-time medical consultation and support to aircraft in flight. Through the MedLink service using onboard medical kits and equipment her approach changed how medical emergencies are handled in aviation and influenced global standards for safety preparedness and response.

Today MedAire an International SOS company supports thousands of operators across business commercial and government aviation. The company provides medical guidance response coordination and security advisory services worldwide.

Kurt Edwards, director at the International Business Aviation Council, says: “Joan is truly a pioneer in civil aviation and deserving of this incredible honour. On behalf of the IBAC community, we thank her for her vision and tenacity that created a life-saving legacy in aviation over four decades ago. Her leadership continues to inspire and advance global aviation safety. Congratulations Joan!”