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Aviation Week MRO of the Year Awards Announced

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Aviation Week today awarded its 2011 MRO of the Year Awards for outstanding achievement and innovation in aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) to four industry leaders: Air New Zealand Technical Operations, Air Works India, Big Ass Fans, and Northrop Grumman Technical Services. These prestigious annual industry awards, presented by Overhaul & Maintenance, honor the world's top MRO and aftermarket companies and were presented in conjunction with the Air Transport Association's (ATA) 44th annual Nuts and Bolts Awards at a ceremony during Aviation Week's MRO Americas Conference & Exhibition at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

"These winners provide exemplary models for business leadership, especially with regard to smart expansion and sustainable energy," said Ed Hazelwood, editor-in-chief of Aviation Week Events. "They have made significant contributions to military and commercial fleet readiness, have championed new technologies, and are driving efficiency through innovation. Aviation Week is proud to honor their achievements."

Air New Zealand Technical Operations, winner in the Airline MRO category, has made significant improvements to its bases in Auckland and Christchurch in an effort to boost capacity, attract new business, and boost productivity overall. The Independent MRO winner, Air Works India, has built its worldwide reputation and global network to effort to serve customers in India and abroad, while also making quality improvements and adding new capabilities. Big Ass Fans, winner in the Supplier category, is providing green energy solutions for MRO facilities with its high-volume, low-speed fans that reduce energy consumption and help companies save money. The MRO Military winner, Northrop Grumman Technical Services Lake Charles Maintenance and Modifications Center, has streamlined tool control for more than 18,500 tools using RFID technology, thus improving productivity and accountability.

Ron Utecht, former Co-CEO of TIMCO Aviation Services, was also honored with the MRO Lifetime Achievement Award.

The ATA Nuts and Bolts Awards, which recognize outstanding service and contributions to the airline industry, went to Sarah MacLeod, Executive Director, Aeronautical Repair Station Association (Industry category) and Mark Rodu, Managing Director, Quality Assurance & Technical programs, US Airways (Airline category). The two groups, Aviation Week and ATA, have partnered since 2001 to bring the joint awards ceremony to MRO Americas, facilitating incomparable networking opportunities for participants and aviation industry leaders.

MRO attendees and industry leaders, including past Nuts and Bolts winners (Oliver Martins, American Airlines, 2009; Ron Utecht, TIMCO Aviation Services, 2009; Eric Mendelson, HEICO Aerospace, 2007; Hal Heule, US Airways, 2006; John Goglia, NTSB, 2006; Dennis Manibusan, 2005; John Banbury, Boeing, 2005; Jim Ballough, FAA, 2004; Nick Sabatini, 2003; Robin Wohnsigl, Air Canada, 2003; Jim Davey, Alaska Airlines, 1999), applauded this year's winners at the afternoon ceremony on April 12. For more information on the awards and winners, including photos, visit AviationWeek.com or read the April 2011 issue of Overhaul & Maintenance.

About Aviation Week:

Aviation Week, part of The McGraw-Hill Companies, is the largest multimedia information and services provider to the global aviation, aerospace and defense industries, and includes http://AviationWeek.com, Aviation Week & Space Technology, Defense Technology International, Business & Commercial Aviation, Overhaul & Maintenance, ShowNews, Aviation Daily, Aerospace Daily & Defense Report, The Weekly of Business Aviation, Aviation Week Intelligence Network, MRO Links and MRO Prospector. The group also produces major events around the world.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies:

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global financial information and education company that helps professionals and students succeed in the knowledge economy. Leading brands include Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, Platts energy information services and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has approximately 21,000 employees with more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2010 were $6.2 billion. Additional information is available at www.mcgraw-hill.com.

SOURCE Aviation Week