NBAA’s 75th Anniversary Year Will Highlight Historic Moments to Inspire Future Generations

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), which was founded last week in 1947, begins celebrating its 75th anniversary as the leading advocate for business aviation with a series of initiatives designed not only to recognize the milestones marking the industry’s pioneering spirit, but to inspire the next generation of leaders to be a part of the business aviation community.

“This anniversary year offers an opportunity for everyone to take part in telling our industry’s story of innovation and achievement, so that business aviation is even stronger seven decades from today,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Everything we do will be focused on engaging our community to be a part of this exciting story.”   

The anniversary kicks off today with a “Throwback Thursday” series on the association’s social media platforms, showcasing the trailblazing leaders and legends who have shaped the world-leading industry that is business aviation today. A special hashtag, #NBAA75, can be used to take part in the conversation, and follow all of NBAA’s 75th anniversary initiatives.

A variety of other celebratory initiatives will follow, culminating at the 2022 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), which will be held Oct. 18–20 in Orlando, FL.

Since its incorporation on Feb. 13, 1947, as the Corporation Aircraft Owners Association, NBAA has worked to foster an environment in which business aviation can thrive. Today, NBAA is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful.

The organization, which represents more than 11,000 companies, promotes policies that support business aviation in the U.S. and around the world, including those that continually enhance the safety, security and sustainability of business aviation flight, with equitable access to airports and airspace.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.