Las Vegas, NV – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) presented its top honors for excellence in journalism today at the Association’s 64th Annual Meeting & Convention: the 2011 NBAA Gold Wing Award and the David W. Ewald Platinum Wing Award.
Jeff Burger, editor of Business Jet Traveler, received the Gold Wing Award, which is presented annually for excellent and insightful reporting on the most important issues impacting business aviation. Fred George, senior editor of Business & Commercial Aviation, received the Platinum Wing Award, which recognizes lifetime achievement in journalism. The awards were presented at the No Plane No Gain Media Kickoff Breakfast for this year’s Convention.
Burger received the Gold Wing Award on behalf of all the staff at Business Jet Traveler – sister publication for Aviation International News – who produced a 10-page special section laying out the case for business aviation to combat negative perceptions of the industry. The special section included study data and testimonials from aircraft operators illustrating why companies rely on business aviation to be more efficient, productive and competitive.
“I think we would all agree that this kind of thoughtful examination of business aviation isn’t exactly what many news organizations have offered in recent months,” said NBAA Chairman Pat Cunningham, director of aviation at PepsiCo. “The value of having that perspective from a publisher is something we want to recognize. Our congratulations to Jeff and his team.”
George received the Platinum Wing Award, named after the late, esteemed journalist David Ewald, for the passion he brought to his long career in aviation reporting.
George has flown more than 150 aircraft models, ranging from the Piper J-3 Cub up through Boeing and Airbus single-aisle jetliners, and has earned an Airline Transport Pilot certificate as well as four jet aircraft type ratings. He began his career as a U.S. naval aviator, was a Federal Aviation Administration-designated pilot examiner, instrument flight instructor and jet charter pilot before his career in journalism.
“He’s won numerous aviation journalism awards, and he’s about to receive another one this morning,” said Cunningham. “Congratulations to Fred.”
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.