Bolen Honored With Aviation Industry Leader of the Year Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announces that NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen received the Aviation Industry Leader of the Year Award.

This award recognizes dedication to the aviation industry, and is presented each year by the Kiddie Hawk Air Academy. Affiliated with the Airport Journals family of publications, the Kiddie Hawk academy is a Colorado nonprofit dedicated both to honoring individuals who have made significant contributions in aviation and to fostering youth interest in aviation careers.

Bolen was honored yesterday evening as a part of the academy's "Living Legends of Aviation" ceremony. Presenting the award to Bolen was last year's honoree Pete Bunce, president of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

"We are pleased to grant Ed Bolen this award for his tireless advocacy on behalf of the many thousands of small and mid-size businesses that rely on airplanes to compete and succeed," said academy spokesman Paul Lips. "As dozens of towns have watched their airline service dwindle, Ed has clearly and consistently articulated the critical role that general aviation plays in serving companies and communities all across the country. Ed understands that general aviation is central to job creation, business investment and economic activity in countless local areas. With this award, we honor his work to promote the interests of this national asset."

"I am honored to be included in the company of the other individuals who have been recognized with this award," said Bolen. "My thanks to the publishers of Airport Business Journals for recognizing the value of the business activity that takes place at our nation's small airports. I also want to thank the sponsors of this award for their work to introduce children to aviation and interest them in aviation-related careers. As everyone knows, America leads the world in aviation, and the best way to ensure that we retain that leadership position is to do all we can to excite future generations about the wonder of powered flight, and the dreams that it makes possible. The academy's work helps make sure that we'll be able to continue recognizing achievement in aviation in the years to come."