HAI Announces Recipient of the 2010 Bell Helicopter Lifetime Achievement Award

Alexandria, VA, January 12, 2010 – HAI is pleased to announce 2010 Bell Helicopter Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, John C. Agor; President, Associated Aircraft Group, Inc., Wappingers Falls, New York.

John C. Agor has led a challenging and distinguished career in aviation. His vision of commercial helicopter transportation culminated in the creation and growth of Associated Aircraft Group, Inc. (AAG), a leader in the commercial helicopter industry.

Agor began his aviation career nearly 50 years ago as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. As a dual-rated aviator, Agor served as an Aviation Maintenance Officer, Test Pilot, and Company Commander in Germany, and in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division. Following his discharge, Agor continued to fuel his passion for aviation as a part-time helicopter flight instructor, and in 1980 began working full-time for several part 135 helicopter operators as Captain, Chief Pilot, and Director of Operations.

In 1989, Agor and two partners formed AAG, a Part 135 charter and aircraft management business based in Danbury, Connecticut. As president, Agor guided the growth of AAG, with his commitment to safe operation, quality service, and customer satisfaction hallmarks of the company. Sustained growth captured the attention of the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation which, retaining Agor as president, purchased AAG in 1999 and began the first fractional helicopter ownership program in the industry.

Through Agor’s leadership, AAG has shown an unwavering commitment to community. In September 2001, following the destruction of the World Trade Center, Agor donated AAG’s fleet to FEMA for rescue and recovery work. In 2005, AAG supplied aircraft and crews in support of Hurricane Katrina recovery operations, for which AAG shared HAI’s 2006 Igor I. Sikorsky Award for Humanitarian Service.

AAG’s success stands as a testament to Agor’s vision, dedication, tenacity, and his commitment to his business, his customers, and this industry.

All winners will be recognized at HELI-EXPO 2010’s annual “Salute to Excellence” Awards Banquet on February 22, 2010 in Houston, Texas. For more information about the 2010 “Salute to Excellence” Awards, contact HAI’s Communications Department at 703-683-4646, fax: 703-683-4745, or email: rotor@rotor.com. For more information on HELI-EXPO 2010, visit www.rotor.com.

HAI is a professional trade association representing 3,000 plus members, in 74 nations, who safely operate more than 5,000 helicopters approximately 2.3 million hours each year. HAI is dedicated to the promotion of the helicopter as a safe, effective method of commerce, and to the advancement of the international helicopter community.