Bristow Gives U.N. Chief a Lift During Anniversary Celebrations

Bristow helped United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon avoid the traffic-clogged streets of San Francisco by flying him between key events during the 70th anniversary celebration of the signing of the U.N. Charter.

While the anniversary-related activities took place at City Hall and the Fairmont Hotel, the secretary general was also scheduled to deliver a speech at Stanford University in Palo Alto about 35 miles away. In the ultimate gridlock-beater, he boarded one of Bristow’s Sikorsky S-76C++ aircraft to stay on schedule and meet all of his obligations.

Bristow President and CEO Jonathan Baliff, Senior Vice President (SVP) and COO Jeremy Akel and SVP and Chief Development, New Ventures and Strategy Officer Chet Akiri greeted the secretary general when the helicopter landed at a public park near the Golden Gate Bridge.

Weeks of Preparation

After three weeks of planning and preparation, the aircraft arrived in San Francisco after a two-day, 1,700-mile journey. Successful execution required working with multiple agencies: U.N. Air Operations and Diplomatic Security, the U.S. Park Police, and local police/aviation authorities. Once the busy schedule was completed, the U.N. team said they were impressed by Bristow’s effort.

“I want to express my personal gratitude for the outstanding customer service we received,” the secretary general’s spokesman said. “We received the same meticulous planning and attention to detail that all Bristow clients receive worldwide. Their professionalism gave the U.N., the State Department and the Park Service the confidence they needed to execute the mission.”