The NBAA Corporate Business Flying Safety Awards have been awarded to a number of member companies, the oldest of which, Exxon Mobil, has flown 270,884 safe hours over the past 81 years. AIN spoke with James Johnson at top company ExxonMobil to find out more about its operations and its safety successes.

ExxonMobil, Dallas, Texas; James Johnson, Manager, Aviation Services; 81 Years; 270,884 Hours

ExxonMobil has flown safely for 81 years, operating a great variety of aircraft starting with Beech Staggerwings and Douglas DC-3s. Today, the 67-member flight department operates two Gulfstream 550s, one Gulfstream G650 and five Bombardier Challenger 300s.

James Johnson, who joined the company in 1991 and became manager of aviation services in 2007, told AIN that the excellent safety record is due to the company’s “strong safety culture throughout every affiliate, a very robust priority safety management system and the years of dedicated service from all of the current and past employees who have ensured we accomplish our daily business in safe manner where nobody gets hurt.” He said that ExxonMobil received its IS-BAO Phase II registration in 2012 and Phase III is scheduled for 2014.

Johnson said his own love of aviation started when he watched airplanes fly over his backyard. His parents took him to the local airport to see an airplane up close and “I was hooked from then on.”

He served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. “My last job in the military was with the 89th Military Airlift Wing, Washington D.C., working in the Presidential Pilots’ Office.”

“I have enjoyed my 22 years with ExxonMobil and the privilege to lead such an outstanding group of men and women. Their daily dedication and professionalism in accomplishing our executive transportation mission have made my time as the department manager a distinct honor, and it has been a pleasure to work alongside all of them.”

For a full list of winners, see the NBAA Safe Flying Awards - Top 20 Corporate Business Flying Awards PDF.