SDC2026 Keynote Speaker Kenneth C. “Kenn” Ricci

From Aviation’s Birthplace to the Future: A Visionary’s Perspective

The 2026 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (SDC2026) is proud to welcome Kenneth C. “Kenn” Ricci, one of business aviation’s most innovative and influential leaders, as this year’s keynote speaker.

As Chairman of Flexjet, Ricci has dedicated his career to shaping the future of business aviation – leading some of the industry’s most successful enterprises and pioneering new ways to connect people, technology, and opportunity across the skies.

From his early start as an Air Force ROTC cadet at the University of Notre Dame to building a family of aviation companies that now generate more than $4 billion in annual revenue, Ricci’s entrepreneurial drive continues to redefine what’s possible. As the founder of Nextant Aerospace and through his leadership in helping transform Flexjet into one of the world’s premier business aviation providers, he exemplifies the forward-thinking spirit at the heart of this year’s event.

Ricci’s impact on the industry has been recognized through numerous honors, including the Aviation Week Laureate Award, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Harvard Business School’s Dively Entrepreneurship Award, and the Living Legends of Aviation’s Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award. He was also inducted as a Living Legend of Aviation in 2019, celebrating his decades of leadership and innovation.

In his inspiring keynote presentation, Ricci will share his perspective on innovation, leadership, and the evolving landscape of business aviation – from emerging technologies shaping flight operations to the people driving tomorrow’s success. Attendees will gain an exclusive look at how Flexjet is setting the standards in safety, service and sustainability, creating a blueprint for success in the skies.

Beyond business, Ricci’s work reflects a deep commitment to philanthropy and purpose. In 2018, he established the Philanthropic Succession Partnership, creating a groundbreaking structure to donate a record-setting $100 million to the University of Notre Dame. His continued support for organizations such as Able Flight, which empowers people with disabilities to learn to fly and pursue aviation careers, reflects the same forward-thinking spirit that defines his companies and his career.

Join us in Cleveland, Ohio, as we look to the future of our industry with one of aviation’s most visionary leaders.

Be part of the conversation. Be part of what’s next.