AISBA Raises $15,000 for Aviation Scholarships, Expands Access to AI Education

Industry support also opened doors for students and faculty members to learn alongside aviation business leaders.

Las Vegas, NV, October 20, 2026 - A shared commitment to aviation's future is delivering new opportunities for its next generation. NATA (the National Air Transportation Association), together with AISBA co-founder Tuvoli, today announced that the inaugural AI Symposium for Business Aviation (AISBA) raised $15,000 for scholarships through the National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF), while support from sponsors and attendees also enabled complimentary participation for 50 students and faculty.

The announcement coincides with a roundtable discussion featuring U.S. Rep. Jay Obernolte and Tuvoli President and CEO Greg Johnson during NBAA's Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). AISBA's organizers collaborated with NBAA to bring the discussion to BACE, extending the symposium's dialogue on AI and aviation's future.

Developed by Tuvoli, NATA, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's David B. O'Maley College of Business, AISBA took place Sept. 14-16 in Daytona Beach, Florida. The event brought aviation business professionals, technology experts, educators, and students together to explore the practical and responsible use of artificial intelligence.

"AISBA's impact extends well beyond the conversations and learning that took place in Daytona Beach," said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. "Our sponsors and attendees opened the door for students to learn alongside industry leaders and helped raise $15,000 in scholarship support for future aviation professionals. Preparing aviation for emerging technology also means preparing people to lead through change. Together, we are investing in the talent and ideas that will move our industry forward."

Complimentary participation connected students and faculty from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Indiana Wesleyan University, Georgia Tech, the University of North Dakota, and the University of California, Berkeley, with professionals addressing real-world aviation business challenges. Through discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on workshops, participants explored how AI can support aviation operations and the skills needed to apply it thoughtfully.

NATA and its AISBA partners extend their renewed appreciation to the event's sponsors: Signature Aviation, Amazon Web Services, World Fuel Services, Avfuel Corporation, flyExclusive, FlyUSA, Aero Centers, Bluetail, Naples Airport Authority, Southern Sky Aviation, Meaningful AI, SayFlight, Floating Fleet AI, GMSTEK/X1-FBO, and NERD.aero. Their generosity, together with the support of attendees, helped make both the complimentary educational opportunities and scholarship contribution possible.

"The future of aviation needs both new ideas and people ready to pursue them," said Tuvoli President and CEO Greg Johnson. "We are pleased to share this accomplishment at BACE as we continue the AISBA conversation with Representative Obernolte. Through our partnership with NATA and scholarship support through its foundation, our sponsors and attendees are helping turn a shared interest in innovation into new opportunities for the next generation of aviation professionals."

The $15,000 will support aviation scholarships through NATF, extending AISBA's educational mission beyond the symposium and helping students pursue their future in the industry.

The conversation will continue at NATA's Aviation Business Conference in Denver, November 9-10, where aviation business leaders will explore AI's evolving role and other trends shaping the industry's future.

For more information about AISBA, visit nata.aero/aisba.