AviAssist director, Tom Kok, wins Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety award

Kok, who has led AviAssist since 2008, earned the award for his dedication as the driving force behind the organisation for a quarter of a century. The efforts have resulted in major aviation safety improvements across the African continent.

The Foundation said: “AviAssist’s approach focuses on promoting aviation safety and making training available and affordable for every country based upon a common interest in safe air transportation across the continent.

“Kok’s passion for improving aviation through training and education led him to create a culture of safety that effectively bridges the differences between Africa’s diverse countries and their varying levels of aviation industry experience. Kok leveraged his network in East Africa to establish the AviAssist Safety Promotion Centre, hosted by the University of Rwanda, rapidly generating interest from other countries wanting similar safety training centres.

“His enduring vision is to help achieve the highest level of aviation safety for all of Africa. As he explores new paths to ensure his vision is fulfilled, Kok’s personal commitment paves the way.”