Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, dhubbard@nbaa.org
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today honored two acclaimed industry journalists whose insightful and forward-reaching coverage on matters of importance to the global business aviation community has been exemplary.
Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief for Aviation International News (AIN) and AIN Media Group, received the David W. Ewald Platinum Wing Award for lifetime achievement and excellence in aviation media. Aviation Week’s Lee Ann Shay received NBAA’s 2026 Gold Wing Award for Journalism Excellence.
Both awards were presented Oct. 19, prior to the opening day of the 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas.
Thurber was honored for his decades of covering virtually every facet of aviation, bringing to his work the perspective of an ATP-rated pilot, instrument flight instructor and A&P mechanic certificate holder.
“Matt’s deep subject knowledge, curiosity, fairness and an unwavering commitment to accuracy have guided his reporting and editorial leadership at AIN, helping generations of readers better understand developments in business aviation and across the broader aerospace industry,” said NBAA Interim COO Dan Hubbard. “We are pleased to recognize Matt’s accomplishments with our Platinum Wing award.”
Prior to joining AIN, Thurber served as editor of Aviation Maintenance magazine and as an associate editor at FLYING magazine. A past Gold Wing Award recipient, he recently announced his retirement after more than four decades in the industry.
NBAA’s David W. Ewald Platinum Wing Award recognizes lifetime achievement and excellence in journalism. The award is named for the late David W. Ewald, whose nearly 50-year career included helping create Business & Commercial Aviation and co-founding Flight Training magazine.
Shay was honored for her article, “Waypoint: Clueless, Careless or Criminal?,” which examined the persistent challenges of illegal charter and the industry’s efforts to ensure on-demand operations are conducted safely and in full compliance with federal regulations.
“Lee Ann tackled an issue of critical importance to our industry with clarity, balance and nuance,” said NBAA Hubbard. “Her reporting brought greater attention to the risks of illegal charter while highlighting the measures responsible operators take to meet rigorous safety and regulatory standards.”
The NBAA Gold Wing Award for Journalism Excellence is presented annually for excellent, accurate and insightful reporting on issues related to business aviation, by trade or non-trade media.
Taking place Oct. 20-22, NBAA-BACE is the world’s most powerful business aviation event of the year, showcasing the industry’s latest innovations and services, and hosting the leaders who are shaping its future. Learn more about NBAA-BACE.