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Woolsey\u2019s career in aviation spans nearly four decades and reflects a lifetime of entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, and commitment to business aviation. Beginning his career at just 19 years old, Woolsey became the youngest FAA Air Carrier Operator in U.S. history and went on to launch multiple successful aviation businesses, including Prestige Touring and American Jet International. In 2002, he acquired Million Air Interlink and has since shaped it into one of the most recognized brands in business aviation, earning Professional Pilot Magazine\u2019s Best Large FBO Chain award for 14 consecutive years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under his leadership, Million Air has grown to a network of more than 38 FBOs worldwide, setting a standard for customer service, safety, and operational excellence. Woolsey\u2019s influence extends beyond business success\u2014he has championed mentorship, safety advocacy, and industry collaboration, leaving a lasting mark on the aviation community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRoger Woolsey\u2019s impact on aviation has been profound,\u201d stated Curt Castagna, NATA President and CEO. \u201cFrom his early days as a young air carrier operator to his long-standing leadership of Million Air, Roger has embodied the entrepreneurial spirit, passion for safety, and commitment to excellence that define the Ong Award. His career reflects the values of innovation, perseverance, and service that strengthen our industry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Woolsey is a seasoned aviator with more than 26,000 flight hours, holding an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, multiple type ratings, and an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic\u2019s license. His legacy as an industry leader and advocate for business aviation continues to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Aviation has been a lifelong passion for me,\u201d said Roger Woolsey. \u201cMy father was a pilot, and from a young age I would sit and watch aircraft take off, completely captivated. By high school, I was flying freight at night just to build hours and relentlessly pursuing my licenses. I\u2019m an aviator at heart, and while I never set out to be where I am today, I\u2019ve always carried a bigger vision for what this industry could be. When I see a gap, I want to fix it\u2014and I love pushing the envelope to make aviation better for everyone. I am truly humbled and honored to accept this award, which reflects not just my journey, but the incredible people and teams who share this passion with me.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The William A. \u201cBill\u201d Ong Memorial Award was established in 1984 in honor of the Association\u2019s co-founder and is presented annually to individuals who, through a lifetime of achievement, have advanced the general aviation industry and exemplified Ong\u2019s enduring commitment to service, safety, and advocacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roger Woolsey will be formally honored during NATA\u2019s 2025 Aviation Business Conference<\/a> in Dallas, Texas, on November 18, 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n