Ed Bolen, who led the National Business Aviation Association for more than two decades and helped secure federal relief for business aviation during the COVID-19 pandemic, is retiring as president and CEO.
He had previously taken a leave of absence while undergoing cancer treatment.
Bolen joined NBAA in 2004 and became one of the industry’s most prominent advocates in Washington, D.C., working on airport access, air traffic control modernization, safety, workforce development, and federal aviation policy.
The business aviation industry supports 1.3 million American jobs and nearly $340 billion in economic output.
“It is the privilege of a lifetime to have served NBAA and the aviation community. I am incredibly proud of everything NBAA is, and of what we have accomplished together over the years,” Bolen said.
He added, “I regret having to step down because of my health, and I have been touched by the outpouring of your support. Business aviation is at its best when we come together, and I have never been more confident in NBAA’s brilliant future.”
The association’s board named Senior Vice President, Communications Dan Hubbard as Acting CEO.
Hubbard will oversee day-to-day operations.
NBAA also formed a special executive search committee to find Bolen’s successor.
Matt Byrd, NBAA board vice chair and president and CEO of Hillwood Aviation, will chair the committee.
‘Immeasurably stronger, safer’
“Business aviation is an immeasurably stronger, safer, more dynamic industry because of Ed’s unwavering commitment,” said NBAA Board Chair John Witzig. “We have all soared higher and gone farther, driven by the power of his vision.”
One of Bolen’s most consequential achievements came in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought much of the aviation industry to a standstill.
Bolen and NBAA worked with lawmakers to ensure that general aviation commercial operators, including small air charter companies, qualified for federal financial assistance under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The effort helped secure access to the Payroll Support Program, which provided funds to retain employees and continue paying wages and benefits.
In March 2021 testimony before Congress, Bolen said NBAA had worked with lawmakers to ensure commercial general aviation operators received access to relief programs available to major airlines.
He emphasized that thousands of small charter operators lacked access to capital markets and urgently needed assistance.
The legislation also provided access to other relief programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program, which helped business aviation companies survive the pandemic.
Funds from the CARES Act enabled private jet companies to restart operations quickly, providing a vital link for the nation’s economy as scheduled airlines stayed mainly grounded.
More recently, in 2023, he helped spearhead Climbing Fast, an advocacy group that brought together 10 stakeholder associations across business and general aviation.
Ed Bolen career
Bolen’s aviation advocacy career began well before he joined NBAA.
A Kansas native and private pilot, he worked as a legislative aide to Sen. Nancy Kassebaum in the 1990s. He played a central role in passing the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994.
The legislation limited certain product liability exposure for aircraft manufacturers and helped revive general aviation aircraft production in the United States.
Before joining NBAA, Bolen served as president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
His government service included chairing the Federal Aviation Administration’s Management Advisory Council from 2000 to 2004, after President Bill Clinton nominated him and the Senate confirmed him.
President George W. Bush also appointed him to the Commission on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry in 2001.
Bolen additionally served as chair of the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics.
In 2021, the San Diego Air & Space Museum inducted Bolen into its International Air & Space Hall of Fame as a Living Legend.
He is also scheduled to be inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame in 2026.
“The aviation community cannot thank Ed Bolen enough for his service and leadership,” said Elizabeth Dornak, NBAA board chair emeritus. “His service to aviation is unmatched over a sterling career, and so many of us are fortunate to count him as a partner and a friend.”
NBAA, which represents approximately 10,000 companies and aviation professionals, plans to continue its advocacy initiatives and scheduled events while the board searches for a permanent successor.
Private Jet Card Comparisons is a member of NBAA.
Source: privatejetcardcomparisons.com
