Sapphire Pegasus Business Aviation Awards Won By St. Croix Residents

ST. CROIX — Sapphire Pegasus Business Aviation Awards were presented to two St. Croix residents at this year’s Caribbean Aviation Meetup in St. Maarten, which closed June 13. Bohlke International Airways (BIA) President William R. Bohlke was honored for outstanding leadership, while Director of Marketing Ashley Bouzianis won the woman in aviation category, according to a release issued Tuesday. The awards were presented by St. Maarten Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Stuart Johnson, and Chairman of the Caribbean Airlift Alliance Commander Bud Slabbaert.

“I was humbled to receive this Sapphire Pegasus award for leadership,” said Mr. Bohlke, who is also the chief pilot at BIA. “As the third-generation owner of this business, I strive daily toward a leadership style that creates a positive work environment of loyal, satisfied team members. My goal is to lead our BIA team effectively toward business growth, which ultimately helps support and sustain our economy on St. Croix.”

According to the site for Sapphire Pegasus Business Aviation Awards (SPBAA.com), the awards are designed to honor prominent stakeholders, companies and individuals in business aviation. The awards are given to celebrate those who have distinguished themselves through immense contributions to the sector – locally, regionally or at the national level. Sapphire Pegasus awards continue to be the yardstick for professionals who have demonstrated best aviation practices, as well as input toward the development of the aviation industry and the global community at-large.

“It was a pleasant surprise to be honored,” said Ms. Bouzianis, BIA marketing director. “Our team works hard to instill an interest in aviation early on, especially for young women. From hosting events like Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day to outreach with four local schools this year alone, we want to ensure young ladies know what promising job opportunities exist for them locally in aviation.”

During the Caribbean Aviation Meetup, Mr. Bohlke also presented in general session on the Freedoms of the Air, according to the release. In a later breakout session, Bouzianis was a panelist discussing Women in Corporate Aviation.

Based on St. Croix, BIA is an award-winning fixed base operator (FBO) and charter fleet based. The private carrier specializes in serving destinations on the United States east coast, northern South America and throughout the Caribbean. The company was established in 1959 by William Bohlke, Jr. It is a family-owned business with a third-generation pilot at the helm. More information at Bohlke.com or by calling 340-778-9177.

Feature Image: Pictured (left to right) are Bohlke International Airways President William R. Bohlke; Caribbean Airlift Alliance Chairman Commander Bud Slabbaert; Honoree Cameron Singh; St. Maarten Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs Stuart Johnson; and Honoree Rob Ceravolo. Photo credit: Zulayka Peterson