The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) announced the recipient of its highest annual honor. The William A. “Bill” Ong Memorial Award will be presented to aviation entrepreneur, Craig R. Sincock, owner, president and CEO of Avfuel. The award will be presented during a luncheon on November 3, held in conjunction with the NATA 2022 Aviation Business Conference in Miami.
Given in honor and memory of the association’s co-founder and first president, the William A. “Bill” Ong Memorial Award recognizes extraordinary achievement and extended meritorious service to the general aviation industry.
“Craig Sincock is a prominent aviation business leader, philanthropist and visionary who has spent his entire career connecting people, businesses and cultures. It is a pleasure to honor his drive, leadership, passion and propensity for giving back with NATA’s highest honor,” stated NATA President and CEO Timothy Obitts.
Sincock acquired Avfuel Corporation in 1985. Under his leadership, the company has grown from a regional fuel supplier to its current position as a leading independent global supplier of aviation fuel and services. Avfuel currently serves more than 5,500 aviation customers at more than 3,000 worldwide fueling locations, and supplies fuel and comprehensive services to all six major aviation consumer groups: fixed-base operators (FBOs), corporate flight departments, airlines, helicopter operators, cargo haulers and the military.
Sincock accomplished this growth through a strategic mix of more than 30 acquisitions (four of which were aviation divestitures from publicly traded energy companies), internal sales growth and marketing alliances. Today, Avfuel touches virtually every aspect of the aviation industry with its innovative lineup of programs and solutions—including industry-leading sustainability programs—and through various subsidiary corporations, including Avtank, Avlease, Avsurance and Avplan. Sincock continues to focus on further international expansion and the next generation of aviation.
The passion for aviation that led Sincock to purchase Avfuel is evident through his continued devotion to the company’s success as well as through his advocacy efforts. Past positions he has held include seats on the Pride Refining Inc. Board of Directors (PRF: NYSE), Duncan Aviation Board of Advisors, and NBAA Board of Directors, along with serving as chairman of NBAA’s Associate Member Advisory Committee. He is a member of the World Presidents’ Organization (WPO), an international organization fostering educational development and networking opportunities for company leaders. He has also been an active participant in leading aviation groups, including the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Additionally, Sincock is a pilot with an ATP rating and frequently pilots the company’s Falcon 2000LXS and Cessna Citation XLS+.
Sincock recently received the 2022 Kenn Ricci Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award at the 19th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards, during which he was also inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation.
Sincock graduated from the University of Michigan and resides in Ann Arbor with his wife, Sue. The Sincocks’ philanthropic efforts extend well beyond the aviation community; they are also staunch supporters of health care and education organizations.
