News Release

Sterling Aviation renews Wyvern Wingman certification

January 2, 2021:

Sterling Aviation, a Gama Aviation operator owned by private aviation company Wheels Up Partners, has once more secured its designation as Wyvern Wingman certified operator following a successful audit, conducted by Wyvern in October 2020.

The Wyvern Wingman standard, the first air charter audit standard in the aviation industry, provides a safety benchmark that allows air charter customers to assess performance expectations against recognised industry best operating practices before purchasing air charter services. In addition to Sterling, this certification has been awarded in the past to all Wheels Up operators including Wheels Up Private Jets (formerly Delta Private Jets), Gama Aviation, Travel Management Company and TWC Aviation.

“We are honoured to receive the Wyvern Wingman certification on behalf of Sterling Aviation as a testament to our dedication to safety and service in the aviation industry,” said Jonathan Scotch, director of operations at Sterling Aviation. “The entire Wheels Up exclusive fleet of over 300 aircraft are all handled by a Wingman certified operator, reflecting that the safety of our crew and our customers is always the highest priority.”

Wyvern Wingman operators are evaluated by the Wingman standard criteria. The scope of the evaluation includes an evaluation of operational activities, review on the company operational history and safety records, safety management system (SMS), internal evaluation program, administrative compositions, technical documentation, pilot and aircraft records, training requirements and maintenance operations including technician training and experience.

“We are proud to announce that Sterling Aviation is a Wingman operator once again. Conforming to the Wyvern Wingman standard is a testament to an organisation's culture and commitment to safety," says Sonnie Bates, Wyvern CEO.