Powerful Standing-Room-Only NBAA S&D Keynote Informs, Inspires

March 25, 2026

Energy and optimism dominated the keynote session of the 37th 2026 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (SDC2026), as thousands of business aviation professionals gathered in Cleveland for a dynamic event that inspired attendees to adapt, rethink and innovate for the future.

Reflecting this year’s theme, “From Aviation’s Birthplace to the Future,” the standing-room-only event featured a fireside chat between NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen and Flexjet CEO and iconic business aviation visionary Kenneth C. “Kenn” Ricci, who discussed what trends were influencing the industry and what changes may be ahead.

During opening remarks, NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee Co-Chairs Mitch Papontos and Lisa Borrayo underscored the critical role played by these essential professionals.

Mitch Papontos (Left) and Lisa Borrayo (Right)

“Every decision they make carries downstream consequences – crew duty, safety margins, client expectations – often made with imperfect information,” said Papontos.

“It isn’t just about logistics, it’s problem-solving, leadership and global coordination,” said Borrayo. “If we want younger professionals to see this as a real career, we have to tell that story better – earlier, and more intentionally.”

Bolen shared an industry update, offering attendees a view of the sector’s momentum and priorities, as last year’s tragic Washington, DC, midair collision continues to influence air safety policy. “The Modern Skies Coalition, of which NBAA is a member, is united to build a new air traffic control system, and progress is being made,” Bolen said. “Last week, the FAA administrator met with NBAA’s board of directors to update us on this very important mission. We have a united industry. We have the support of the executive branch, including the president. We have both houses on Capitol Hill and both sides of the aisle. We’ve already got $12.5 billion in funding. We’ve got a deadline to get it done within three years, and we’ve got a no excuses attitude about trying to make this happen.”

Empathy and Company Culture

During their fireside chat, Bolen and Ricci touched on how attention to leadership has helped build Flexjet into the powerful brand it is today and will continue to do so in the future.

“I think empathy is the No. 1 leadership skill that you need today, and that’s an easy communication,” Ricci said. “If someone has a problem and we’re not sympathetic or empathetic to their problem, then experientially, it doesn’t match the culture. We follow up to make sure the experience reflects that empathy – and that’s a process of constant monitoring.”

Ricci and Bolen also discussed emerging industry trends such as event fees, private equity and the shifting demographics of aircraft ownership, which he described as a business tool. “The good news is, this tool has almost become a necessity,” Ricci said. “The average owner now is 10 years younger, so we’re getting people to buy in at a younger age. This asset gives you time, and that’s the future of our industry.”

The keynote also recognized donors and recipients of the committee’s training scholarships, as well as Exclusive Air founder and President Holly Whitaker, recipient of the Schedulers & Dispatchers Outstanding Achievement & Leadership Award.

“May I wish for you to gain more than you expected, to grab some of the positive energy among us, and to build your own aviation network,” Whitaker said during her acceptance remarks. “With any luck, it may last you a lifetime.”

Learn more about the Schedulers & Dispatchers Outstanding Achievement in Leadership Award.

Learn more about the donors and recipients of this year’s Schedulers & Dispatchers Training Scholarships.