Senator Honors Ed Bolen's Aviation Career
Senator Jerry Moran spoke on the Senate floor to honor Ed Bolen as he enters retirement after 22 years leading the National Business Aviation Association.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Air Travel
Senator Jerry Moran delivered remarks on the Senate floor honoring Ed Bolen, a Salina native, as he enters retirement. Bolen served 22 years as President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association.
Why it matters
Bolen's tenure covered advocacy for a safer and more efficient aviation system, protecting access to the nation's airports and airspace, and supporting workforce development. His leadership on air traffic control modernization shaped the industry's policy agenda for Kansas and the nation.
The honor marks a 22-year tenure leading the National Business Aviation Association, one of the longest-serving leadership terms in the organization's history for its president and CEO role. Details of a successor and the exact retirement date were not included in the Senate remarks.
The players
Jerry Moran
Jerry Moran is the senior U.S. Senator from Kansas who has served in the Senate since 2011 and sits on committees with jurisdiction over aviation and transportation.
Ed Bolen
Ed Bolen is a Salina native who led the National Business Aviation Association for 22 years, advocating for aviation safety, airspace access, and workforce development.
National Business Aviation Association
The National Business Aviation Association is a Washington-based trade group representing companies that operate aircraft for business purposes.
The details
Moran's remarks thanked Bolen for his years of service and recognized his work to advance aviation policy. Bolen's record includes efforts to protect access to the nation's airports and airspace and to champion modernization of air traffic control.
Timeline
22 years: Bolen's tenure as NBAA President and CEO
Senate floor remarks honoring Bolen were delivered prior to publication on Salina Post
Industry Context
Bolen's championing of air traffic control modernization aligns with the FAA's multi-decade NextGen program to replace ground-based radar navigation with satellite-based systems. His tenure reflects business aviation's ongoing push for airspace access alongside that national modernization effort.
Business aviation policy shaped by Bolen's advocacy affects access to airports and airspace used by private and corporate flyers. Travelers should watch for ongoing air traffic control modernization changes that could alter flight routing and scheduling.
The takeaway
Long-term aviation leadership often shapes the infrastructure and rules that travelers rely on years later. Bolen's focus on airspace access and modernization is a reminder that policy work sits behind everyday flight experiences.
Further reading
Explore more on Air Travel developments affecting Kansas and beyond.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Salina Post.
