About the NBAA Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 Award

The Next Generation of Leaders is Here

The business aviation industry is being shaped by a new generation of innovative thinkers who are challenging norms, breaking barriers, and leading the way into a bright future. As part of the Young Professionals in Business Aviation (YoPro) program, the NBAA Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 Award, honors these rising stars. From excelling in career milestones to driving innovation and giving back to their communities, these leaders represent the best and brightest across a diverse range of disciplines.

Nominations are reviewed by the NBAA YoPro Council, which selects 40 exceptional individuals who embody leadership, community involvement, and professional success. This rigorous selection process ensures the awardees set the gold standard as pioneers and role models for others in the industry.

Whether they are excelling through groundbreaking leadership, career success, or volunteerism these individuals are shaping the future of business aviation. Explore the categories, criteria, and guidelines to nominate a deserving young professional and join us in recognizing the next generation of aviation innovators.

Nomination Categories

There are nine categories under which Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 candidates can be nominated:

• Airport Business
• Broker/Sales
• Business Management
• Flight/Cabin Attendant
• Innovation and Technology
• Maintenance
• Marketing
• Pilot
• Scheduler/Dispatcher

Nomination Criteria

Career Success

Nomination highlights specific, measurable examples that demonstrate the nominee’s exceptional career success. The candidate has achieved much in their career, going above and beyond to not only further their career but also the industry as a whole. Their accomplishments set a benchmark for excellence and showcase their leadership within the industry.

Volunteerism and Business Aviation Community Involvement

Nomination provides clear and impactful examples of the nominee’s dedication to making a positive difference beyond their immediate job responsibilities. The candidate has demonstrated exceptional commitment by contributing significantly to their community or the business aviation sector. Their efforts reflect a genuine passion for volunteerism and a drive to uplift others within and outside the industry.

Leadership

Nomination provides clear and impactful examples of the nominee’s leadership in driving innovation, inspiring others, and advancing business aviation. This includes specific contributions such as serving on industry boards or committees, participating in volunteer groups, engaging with local or regional aviation organizations, mentoring others, or any additional meaningful efforts to propel the industry. The candidate’s involvement should reflect a genuine commitment to supporting and uplifting the aviation community.

General Rules

• Nominees cannot be self-nominated.
• Nominees must be NBAA members or work for an NBAA member company.
• Nominees must be born on or after Jan. 1, 1986.
• Nominees must be business aviation professionals.
• NBAA employees and YoPro Council members are not eligible to submit nominations.
• Previous recipients of the Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 Award are not eligible to receive the award again.

Tips for Nominating a YoPro

• Strive for quality over quantity. The number of nominations does not factor into the decision making process, and it is the quality of the nomination that counts.
• Provide as much detail as possible. The YoPro Council selects recipients solely based on the information provided in nominations.
• Include information that provides insight about the candidate’s business aviation community involvement, volunteerism, career achievements, industry contributions, leadership and their passion for the business aviation industry.
• Be specific. Provide detailed information when writing about titles, organizations, committees, work experience, etc.

Award Timeline

Nominations open in conjunction with the NBAA Leadership Conference annually and conclude by the published deadline. Award recipients are selected in June during the NBAA YoPro Council Annual Meeting.

Recipients will be notified confidentially by a representative from the NBAA YoPro Council upon the conclusion of the annual meeting. Selected recipients must keep their Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 status confidential until the full list of awardees is released by NBAA leading up to the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE).

Nominators do not receive advance notice on the status of their nominations.

Past Award Recipients

• 2025 Award Recipients
• 2024 Award Recipients
• 2023 Award Recipients
• 2022 Award Recipients
• 2021 Award Recipients
• 2020 Award Recipients
• 2019 Award Recipients
• 2018 Award Recipients

If you have questions regarding the NBAA Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 award, email 40U40@nbaa.org.