Recipient To Be Honored At Annual Meeting And Convention

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Wednesday announced plans to issue a new award, the John H. Winant Award, in memory of the legendary NBAA leader and in recognition of members of NBAA's Board of Directors whose service to the business aviation community extends well beyond their tenure on the Association's Board.

"When NBAA's directors conclude their tenure on our Board, they commonly invest their knowledge, dedication and passion into a variety of important endeavors that greatly benefit business aviation," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "We want to recognize those individuals and their contributions, and it's appropriate to do so with an award named for a leader whose legacy is defined by his lifelong passion for and service to business aviation."

Bolen noted that Winant's association with NBAA extended over five decades. Elected to the Association's Board of Directors in 1957, he served in all of NBAA's volunteer-elected officer positions, including what was then president from 1961 to 1964, and remained on the Board until his appointment as chief staff executive in 1971. Winant served as NBAA President from 1971 until 1986.

Even in retirement, Winant remained active in his support for NBAA and business aviation. In 1989, he authored Keep Business Flying, which covered the development of business aviation and NBAA from 1947 to 1986. He later co-authored NBAA Works, which catalogued the spirit and achievement of NBAA from 1986 to 2002.

"It would be difficult to overstate the importance of John Winant in the development of business aviation in the United States and around the world," Bolen said in a statement issued earlier this year. "John was respected and trusted by aviation professionals, company executives, cabinet secretaries and elected officials. His integrity, knowledge, dedication and gentle nature made him an extraordinarily effective advocate for our community.

NBAA CEO Ed Bolen

"We were deeply saddened by John's passing, and we want to preserve his memory and spirit by presenting this award in his name," Bolen continued.

The award will be presented for the first time at a special luncheon for current and former Members of NBAA's Board of Directors, to be held during the Association's 62nd Annual Meeting and Convention in Orlando, FL, from October 20-22.

FMI: www.nbaa.org