NBAA Chief Ed Bolen Announces Retirement

The longtime leader of the National Business Aviation Association is stepping down for health reasons after 22 years.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Business Travel

Photograph of a single business jet parked alone on an empty airport apron under a wide open sky with a distant hangar at the horizon. — Ed Bolen, who has led the National Business Aviation Association since 2004, announced his retirement for health reasons after 22 years at the helm. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Ed Bolen announced his retirement as president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association, which he has led since 2004. NBAA board vice chair Matt Byrd is chairing a special executive search committee for a successor.

Why it matters

Bolen's departure ends a 22-year tenure that shaped business aviation policy in the United States, and the association must now select a new leader. His health was cited as the reason for stepping down.

Bolen led the association for 22 years, beginning in 2004, and previously headed the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. The search for a new CEO is underway, but no candidate or timeline has been named.

The players

Ed Bolen

Bolen is a pilot and former head of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association who helped pass the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994 and served on FAA and aerospace advisory bodies.

National Business Aviation Association

The NBAA is a trade association representing companies and operators that use business aircraft, and it is the organization Bolen has led since 2004.

Matt Byrd

Byrd is the vice chair of the NBAA board and is chairing the special executive search committee to find Bolen's successor.

The details

Bolen, a Kansas native and pilot, took leave from the NBAA ahead of its NBAA-BACE convention before the retirement was announced on a Friday. He cited his health as the reason for his decision to step down.

2004: Bolen began leading the National Business Aviation Association.
1994: The General Aviation Revitalization Act passed with Bolen's involvement.
2021: Bolen was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame.
November 6, 2026: NBAA announced Bolen's retirement.

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Industry Legacy

Bolen's career is closely tied to the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994, which he helped advance during his work with the general aviation sector. His departure leaves the NBAA without the leader who guided the association through the years that followed that law.

Business travelers and flight department operators may see leadership changes at the NBAA as the association selects a new CEO. Those relying on association programs or advocacy should watch for announcements from the search committee.

The takeaway

Leadership transitions at major trade associations can shape policy and industry priorities for years. Following the search committee's progress offers a clear view of where business aviation is heading next.