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JUNEAU - The Medallion Foundation recognized Juneau-based airline Wings of Alaska with a Medallion Shield, the first ever achieved by an FAA Part 135 air carrier, and the only airline other than Alaska Airlines and its code-share partners to achieve that status.

"Safety is our number one priority; it's a value ingrained in our corporate culture," said Mike Stedman, Wings' vice president of flight operations.

The mission of the Medallion Foundation is to reduce aviation accidents in Alaska by fostering a new safety culture and by promoting higher safety standards than those required by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Wings of Alaska was founded in Juneau in 1982 and runs daily scheduled flights throughout northern Southeast Alaska.