John Winant, 85, president of NBAA from 1971 to 1986 and a “critical player
in the evolution of business aviation,” died on January 13. “It would be difficult to overstate the importance of John Winant in the development of business aviation in the U.S. and around the world,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “John was respected and trusted by aviation professionals, company executives, Cabinet secretaries and elected officials. His integrity, knowledge, dedication and gentle nature made him an extraordinarily effective advocate for our community.” Winant was first elected to NBAA’s board of directors in 1957. He was appointed its first full-time staff president in 1971. Under Winant’s direction, NBAA grew from 824 member companies to almost 3,000 and the association’s annual meeting and convention became one of the biggest aviation events in the world. In 1981 he was instrumental in bringing together other business aviation associations from around the world to form IBAC. Winant is survived by his wife, Kathryn, two children and five grandchildren.