MADISON, N.J., April 18, 2013 – Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world’s leading provider of diagnostic information services, today announced that it has received the Federal Aviation Administration’s “Diamond Award,” the highest award for aviation maintenance training and safety.
The award is given to individuals and companies that achieve certain levels of participation in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program, which is designed to promote aviation mechanic training. Previous company Diamond Award winners include Bombardier, maker of the Learjet and Challenger Jet; Gulfstream Aerospace; and American Airlines, among others.
As a company, Quest Diagnostics achieved the Diamond Award, the highest award, based on 100% participation by employees; each of the company’s participating 23 mechanics achieved individual Bronze awards through completion of additional FAA safety training. Quest Diagnostics participated in the voluntary FAA program for the first time in 2012.
“Each day, thousands of patients rely on Quest Diagnostics to reliably and safely transport their specimens for diagnostic testing by our clinical laboratories,” said Raymond Benischeck, chief inspector of flight operations for Quest Diagnostics. “The FAA’s Diamond Award validates the commitment of our air and ground flight teams to providing outstanding logistics for these sensitive materials through best practices in aviation safety and logistics excellence and continuing education of our flight team.”
The Diamond Award is the second recognition this year of the company’s achievements in aviation safety. In January 2013, the company’s flight operations received Stage III certification under the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO), a code of best practices designed to help flight departments worldwide achieve a high level of safety and professionalism. Only 85 of 650 IS-BAO registered organizations worldwide have achieved Stage III certification, the highest level.
Quest Diagnostics operates a national logistics operation that includes about two dozen specimen transport airplanes and approximately 70 air fleet personnel, most of which are based at the air fleet center’s headquarters in Reading, Pennsylvania. The company operates other air fleet centers in the United States, including in Dallas, TX; St. Louis, MO;, and Lawrenceville, GA.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics is the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services that patients and doctors need to make better healthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic testing services through its network of laboratories and patient service centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing innovative diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions that help improve patient care. Additional company information is available at QuestDiagnostics.com or follow us at Facebook.com/Quest Diagnostics and Twitter.com/QuestDX.
Quest, Quest Diagnostics, Athena Diagnostics and all associated Quest Diagnostics registered or unregistered trademarks are the property of Quest Diagnostics.
