News Release

Whitewind Company soars to new heights with Wingman PRO certification

The Whitewind Company has earned the prestigious Wyvern Wingman PRO certification, a recognition reserved for operators that demonstrate safety leadership, a healthy safety culture and continuous improvement through active participation in certification's Flight Leader Program.

“We are extremely proud of our employees for providing honest and thoughtful feedback regarding all aspects of our operation,” proclaims Chad Decker, president of the Windsor Locks, Connecticut-based management and charter company. “It is through this open communication that we have been able to implement meaningful change across the organisation. This transparency and shared accountability were instrumental in our achievement of the Wyvern Wingman PRO certification, an accomplishment that reflects not only our commitment to safety, but also our culture of continuous improvement.”

“We enable our employees to make well-informed risk decisions and apply effective mitigation strategies in all operational contexts, including hangar activities, flight and travel,” affirms Michael Sundsted, Whitewind Company director of safety. “Our safety management system is grounded in comprehensive employee participation and is supported by strong vertical and lateral communication, enhancing the effectiveness of our SMS. This approach strengthens organisational resilience and ensures exceptional service delivery to our customers.”

Wingman PRO is the highest safety designation in the aviation industry. It signifies not only conformance to international standards but also excellence in safety management systems (SMS) and human factors. To achieve this distinction, operators must demonstrate that they foster a robust safety culture, which is an essential foundation for continuous improvement and effective risk management. Wingman PRO certification signifies a deeper commitment to leadership, internal evaluation and long-term operational excellence.

“The Whitewind Company's elevation to Wingman PRO status showcases the strength of its safety management system above and beyond international standards. This recognition further confirms its commitment to maintaining top-tier global benchmarks and professional protocols in aircraft operations and maintenance,” says Andrew Day, Wyvern senior vice president, operations. “Its relentless focus on progress and excellence positions it as a leader in the aviation industry.”

“Whitewind has an exceptional safety programme guided by its director of safety, Mr. Michael Sundsted. He is well-versed in all facets of SMS and continuously seeks higher levels of safety performance for his company's programme,” marks Wyvern Flight Leader Program coach, Tom Huff. “Whitewind has set a very high bar for its SMS, and pursuing Wingman PRO is yet another indicator that it is committed to safety as a core value across its operations, underpinned by a strong safety culture.”