Overview
- Ed Bolen died Wednesday after a battle with cancer, weeks after stepping away from day-to-day duties for treatment and retiring earlier this month.
- Bolen led the National Business Aviation Association from 2004 until his 2026 retirement and previously served as president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association from 1996 to 2004.
- He played a key role in major policy efforts, including work tied to the 1994 General Aviation Revitalization Act, chairing the FAA’s Management Advisory Council from 2000–2004, and contributing to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
- Industry groups and leaders issued public tributes, with NBAA acting CEO Dan Hubbard, the National Air Transportation Association, AOPA and members of Congress praising Bolen’s coalition-building and mentorship.
- Bolen was inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame on November 10, his family attended the ceremony on his behalf, and NBAA’s board has appointed Dan Hubbard as acting CEO while it conducts a search for a permanent successor.