HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Nov. 18, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HEICO Corporation (NYSE:HEI.A) and (NYSE:HEI) is proud to announce that Alexandre (Alex) de Gunten, Business Development Officer of its Flight Support Group, received the 2013 Federico Block Award.
Presented by Mr. Enrique Borgo Bustamante, former-President of TACA and former-Vice President of El Salvador, the prestigious award recognizes outstanding leadership in the advancement and integration of the commercial aviation industry in Latin America. The award was presented at the 10th Annual ALTA Airline Leaders Forum last week in Cancun with over 500 Latin American and Caribbean commercial aviation leaders, including over 40 airline CEO's and Board Members in attendance, and is awarded to an individual who launches a successful new business; builds cooperation across the region; introduces progressive business practices; supports the growth of the industry by creating conditions for success; or goes beyond the call of duty to advance the interests of the aviation industry in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Alex de Gunten was recognized for transforming the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) into a powerful and well-recognized voice for commercial aviation in the region. In the course of a decade, de Gunten redefined the role and contributions of the association on every dimension – membership, finances, events, awards, publications and, perhaps most importantly – advocacy and industry-wide impact. Under his direction, the association had a substantial impact on issues affecting its membership across three primary domains – safety, efficiency, and the environment – with measurable and tangible results in each. As a result of his tireless efforts, persistency, resourcefulness, passionate advocacy, Alex de Gunten has shaped ALTA into the powerful voice and vehicle for the industry that it is today.
De Gunten added, "This award is a recognition of the great commitment and efforts of the entire ALTA organization, member airlines, and industry leaders. I am very proud and blessed to join the distinguished list of past honorees, and look forward to continue to promote a more efficient and competitive industry in my new role at HEICO."
The Award is managed by the leading executive search firm, Spencer Stuart, and is voted on by an independent panel of five judges. Previous recipients of the award include Andres Conesa - CEO of AeroMexico (2012), David Neeleman - CEO Azul Linhas Aéreas (2011), Matías Campiani, - CEO PLUNA (2010), Enrique Beltranena - CEO Volaris (2009), Pedro Heilbron - CEO Copa Airlines (2008), Robert Booth - AvGroup Chairman (2007), Mauricio Botelho - President and CEO of Embraer (2006), Constantino de Oliveira Jr. - CEO GOL (2005), and Enrique Cueto, - CEO LAN (2004).
HEICO Corporation is engaged primarily in certain niche segments of the aviation, defense, space, medical, telecommunications and electronics industries through its Hollywood, FL-based Flight Support Group and its Miami, FL-based Electronic Technologies Group. HEICO's customers include a majority of the world's airlines and overhaul shops, as well as numerous defense and space contractors and military agencies worldwide in addition to medical, telecommunications and electronics equipment manufacturers. For more information about HEICO, please visit our web site at http://www.heico.com.