LISBOA, Portugal – April 30, 2025: Avincis, Europe’s largest provider of emergency aerial services, is proud to have been presented with an award for Growth Excellence in Portugal from Her Excellency, the British Ambassador, Lisa Bandari. The award was presented to Avincis Group CEO, John Boag, at the 15th edition of the British-Portugal Awards in Lisboa on April 30, 2025.

Having operated emergency aerial services in Portugal for more than 20 years, Avincis is delighted to be recognised for its contribution to the safety and protection of Portuguese communities over the last two decades.

Last year, Avincis flew 1,676 hours of hospital missions for INEM and 279 of firefighting missions for ANEPC in Portugal. In 2023, Avincis, which employs more than 100 people in Portugal, moved its global headquarters to Lisboa where it also has a large maintenance base.

HM Ambassador, Lisa Bandari, said: “We are delighted to have Avincis among the Strategic Partners of the British Embassy Lisbon, and a pleasure to award them the ‘Growth Excellence Award’. The company’s success in Portugal has contributed to the UK Government’s growth agenda, while prioritising the protection of Portuguese citizens and other nations. I had the opportunity to see their work, alongside Minister Stephen Doughty MP, during our visit to Avincis’ headquarters at Salemas Heliport earlier this year.”

John Boag, Avincis Group CEO, added: “We have seen our business go from strength to strength in Portugal over the more than 20 years of operations here. Therefore, it is a great honour to receive this award for growth from Her Excellency, the British Ambassador, Lisa Bandari. We are proud to call Portugal home, and we look forward to continuing to operate and maintain our aircraft here for many years to come.”

Hosted by the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in Portugal, the UK-Portugal Business Awards event is an initiative to reward and publicly recognise the entrepreneurial effort of companies that have achieved success in Portugal.

First launched in 2008, this year marks the 15th edition of the UK-Portugal Business Awards and celebrates 37 businesses, out of the wide group of companies the DBT Portugal team supports, in recognition of their success.