Nominations Open for NATA’s 2026 Industry Excellence Awards

Washington, DC, May 19, 2026 - NATA (the National Air Transportation Association) announces a call for nominations to acknowledge the individuals, offices, and organizations demonstrating excellence in their fields and the highest levels of service to the aviation business community.

"America's 250th anniversary reminds us that progress is shaped by people who see possibility and act with purpose," stated NATA Senior Vice President of Communications and Association Affairs Shannon Chambers. "That spirit has long been reflected through NATA's Industry Excellence Awards, which have celebrated generations of aviation business professionals whose leadership, service, and dedication continue to strengthen our industry and the communities it serves. We encourage members and industry partners to carry this tradition forward by nominating those setting a strong example for the future of aviation business."

Award nominations must be submitted by August 19.

Honorees will be announced this fall and recognized during NATA's Industry Excellence Awards Ceremony held in conjunction with the 2026 NATA Aviation Business Conference on November 10 at the Halcyon in Denver, CO.

NATA is currently seeking nominations for:

The NATA Future Leader Award, recognizing an individual who has shown outstanding promise, passion, and professionalism within the general aviation community.

The Airport Executive Partnership Award, recognizing an airport manager for outstanding efforts to nurture the relationships between aviation businesses and airport operators.

The GA Service Technician Award, honoring the exceptional performance of a licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic or avionics technician who has practiced his or her craft for a period of 20 or more years.

The Excellence In Pilot Training Award, acknowledging an individual or organization that has made outstanding contributions in safety, professionalism, and leadership in the field of pilot training.

The NATA FBO Customer Service Representative Award, highlighting the valuable impact of a Fixed Base Operator Customer Service Representative on the overall success of our industry.

The NATA Safety 1st Certified Line Service Professional Award, underscoring the achievement of a certified line service professional and raising awareness of their positive impact on safety, service, and business success.

In addition to the Industry Excellence Awards, NATA is also accepting submissions for the 2026 Aviation Maintenance Technician Employer Recognition Awards, which recognize aviation maintenance employers that support and encourage AMT training. AMT Award submissions are due August 31.