Castle Aviation’s Michael Grossmann Receives NATA’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award for Decades of Leadership

Washington, DC, September 18, 2025 - NATA (the National Air Transportation Association) is honored to present its 2025 Distinguished Service Award to Michael Grossmann, Founder & CEO of Castle Aviation, in recognition of his decades of leadership, innovation, and steadfast commitment to advancing business and general aviation.

Grossmann has been a driving force in the aviation community for more than 40 years. Since founding Castle Aviation in Green, Ohio, he has grown the company from a single aircraft into a thriving passenger charter, cargo, and maintenance operation headquartered at Akron-Canton Airport. Under his leadership, Castle Aviation recently celebrated the opening of an $10.5 million, 80,000-square-foot hangar and private terminal, positioning the company for continued growth and expanded service to Northeast Ohio and beyond.

"Michael Grossmann represents the very best of our industry," said Curt Castagna, NATA President and CEO. "Through his leadership at Castle Aviation, his decades of volunteer service to NATA, and his commitment to giving back through initiatives like the Veterans Airlift Command, Michael has set an extraordinary example of professionalism, service, and dedication to the general and business aviation communities."

A long-standing industry leader and NATA advocate, Grossmann has served on the Association's Board of Directors and has been an active member of the Air Charter Committee over the years, including serving as Chairman of the Air Cargo Subcommittee. He has also contributed to industry-wide efforts through previous participation on multiple FAA Aviation Rulemaking Committees and the TSA's Aviation Security Advisory Group's working group for air cargo initiatives, helping to shape safety and security standards for the industry.

In addition to his business accomplishments, Grossmann has embodied aviation's spirit of service. Castle Aviation has flown more than 150 missions for the Veterans Airlift Command, providing free transportation to post-9/11 wounded veterans and their families. His legacy also includes recognition as Northern Ohio Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration, underscoring his resilience and impact as an aviation entrepreneur.

"I am truly honored to be recognized by my peers. Paying it forward is such a small price when you consider what aviation has given me,' said Grossman.

The Distinguished Service Award is one of NATA's highest honors, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service and made significant contributions to the general aviation industry.

Grossmann will be recognized during NATA's 2025 Aviation Business Conference in Dallas, Texas, on November 18, 2025.

Tickets for the luncheon are available for purchase and are also included in the conference registration. For more information on attending the presentation and luncheon, please contact [email protected].