June 26, 2019
NBAA recognized the ongoing efforts of Helicopter Association International (HAI) President and CEO Matthew Zuccaro, following the association’s recent announcement of his 2020 retirement.
“Matt has been a strong and effective leader within the general aviation community with unmatched operational experience and a total commitment to the helicopter industry,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “As his military record demonstrates, he is courageous, determined and selfless. We are fortunate to have been able to work closely Matt and the entire HAI team for the past 14 years and look forward to the year ahead.”
Zuccaro has led HAI since November 2005 and has more than 50 years of aviation experience. Most notably, Zuccaro served in the U.S. Army with the 7/17 Air Calvary unit in Vietnam. He was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Stars and 19 Air Medals for his service. He went on to be an instructor at the Army Flight School at Fort Rucker, AL.
His civilian aviation experience ranges from commercial and business aviation, to public service helicopter operations. He also served at the Port of Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) in operations management at John F. Kennedy International Airport and PANYNJ heliports. He is a past president of the Eastern Region Helicopter Council.
An airline transport pilot and certified flight instructor for both rotorcraft and fixed wing aircraft, Zuccaro received the NBAA Pilot Safety Award and HAI Pilot Safety Award for 10,000 hours of accident- and violation-free flight hours, among other awards and recognitions for his work on behalf of the helicopter community.
Zuccaro will retire on June 30, 2020. The HAI board of directors will soon begin an executive search for a new president and CEO.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.