Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, dhubbard@nbaa.org
Wichita, KS, Nov. 11, 2026 – Today, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announces with profound sadness the passing of Ed Bolen, an industry giant who led NBAA for nearly a quarter century as president and CEO.
Bolen had been fighting cancer, forcing him to take medical leave and retire from an industry he had championed for more than 40 years. Since announcing his retirement on Nov. 6, NBAA has received a tremendous outpouring of support for Bolen, with messages crediting his legacy and friendship from every corner of the industry.
“We are filled with incredible sadness about Ed,” said Dan Hubbard, NBAA Acting CEO and SVP, Communications. “Ed was not just our colleague – he was a friend and a mentor to many of us. He accomplished so much, and did so with grace and humility. On behalf of the entire NBAA team, we send our condolences and prayers to Beth, Jack, Robert and all of Ed’s family, in this incredibly difficult time.”
Just yesterday, in recognition of his extensive contributions and leadership in aviation, Bolen was inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame for his advocacy on safety, airport and airspace access, workforce development, air traffic control modernization and many other key priorities.