NBAA has awarded the Al Ueltschi Award for Humanitarian Leadership to the business aviation community for its recent hurricane relief work. In response to the destructive storms Harvey, Irma, Maria and Nate throughout August, September and October 2017, hundreds of pilots, FBO managers, line technicians, airport authorities and countless others have been contributing to relief efforts, coordinating and conducting flights that have delivered food, water, clothing, medicine and other essential items to help those impacted. Flights have been organized to transport medical specialists, first-responders and other emergency-relief workers to critical areas, while other flights have utilized empty seats to carry residents out of harm’s way, both before and after the storms made landfall. Entrepreneurs and companies flying their aircraft typically have done so at no expense; airports, FBOs, maintenance facilities and other service providers have often waived fees, and provided extra services for those conducting relief missions.

"Business aviation’s value has always been demonstrated through its critical role in supporting humanitarian endeavors,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen during the second-day opening session.“this community is filled with leaders who want to help their fellow citizens, and that desire has been evidenced through the work done to help those impacted by these terrible storms. NBAA is proud to be a part of this great community, and honored to recognize everyone involved in these critical missions."