NBAA recognises hurricane relief with humanitarian award

Ed Bolen, President and CEO, NBAA

The National Business Aviation Association has recognised the business aviation industry’s work to help the people and communities affected by this year’s wave of hurricanes, with its Al Ueltschi Award for Humanitarian Leadership.

Hundreds of people in business aviation have contributed to relief flights and other efforts, following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria and Nate throughout August, September and October 2017 – work that continues in many impacted areas.

“Business aviation’s value has always been demonstrated through its critical role in supporting humanitarian endeavours. This community is filled with leaders who want to help their fellow citizens, and that desire has been evidenced through the work done to help those impacted by these terrible storms.”

Ed Bolen (pictured), president and CEO of the NBAA, said: “Business aviation’s value has always been demonstrated through its critical role in supporting humanitarian endeavours. This community is filled with leaders who want to help their fellow citizens, and that desire has been evidenced through the work done to help those impacted by these terrible storms. NBAA is proud to be a part of this great community, and honoured to recognise everyone involved in these critical missions with the Al Ueltschi Award for Humanitarian Leadership.”

In response to the destructive storms, pilots, FBO managers, line technicians, airport authorities and countless others have been contributing to relief efforts, coordinating and conducting flights that have delivered food, water, clothing, medicine and other essential items to help those impacted by the natural disasters.

Some flights have transported medical specialists, first-responders and other emergency-relief workers. Other flights have utilised empty seats to carry residents out of harm’s way, before and after the storms made landfall. Entrepreneurs and companies flying their aircraft typically have done so at no expense; airports, FBOs, maintenance facilities and other service providers have often waived fees, and provided extra services for those conducting relief missions.