NBAA Opens Nominations for 2026 Gold Wing Award Honoring Business Aviation Journalism

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has officially opened nominations for its prestigious 2026 Gold Wing Award, which honors outstanding journalism in the field of business aviation. This annual accolade recognizes journalists who produce insightful and accurate reporting on topics related to the use of general aviation aircraft for business purposes. It is open to both staff and freelance writers working for trade or non-trade media outlets.

Entries eligible for the 2026 award must have been published between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. The NBAA requires all submissions to be made through a secure online application, with the deadline set firmly for September 4, 2026. Entrants can submit work regardless of their media organization's format—print, online, or broadcast.

The Gold Wing Award aims to highlight the critical role that quality journalism plays in educating the public and business community about the contributions of business aviation to the national economy. By focusing on general aviation aircraft used for business, the award acknowledges the sector's unique impact and the narratives that bring its value to light.

The winner or winners will be honored at the 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), scheduled for October 20–22 in Las Vegas. Recipients receive a $1,000 honorarium, which will be divided if the winning work has multiple authors. NBAA-BACE itself is recognized as the world’s most influential event for the business aviation sector, showcasing the latest industry innovations and bringing together leaders shaping aviation’s future.

Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Washington, DC, NBAA represents more than 10,000 companies and professionals who depend on general aviation aircraft to enhance efficiency and productivity. NBAA provides a wide range of products and services and organizes NBAA-BACE, the largest civil aviation trade show globally. The Gold Wing Award is part of NBAA’s efforts to support the industry's communication and public understanding.

Journalists interested in applying can find detailed information and past winners listed on the NBAA website, where the secure submission form is also available. The association encourages participation from journalists across different media types who contribute to reporting on business aviation's evolving landscape.

The timing of the award submission period and announcement coincides with a dynamic period in business aviation, with technological advancements and growing demand increasing the sector’s importance. The award thus not only honors journalistic excellence but also incentivizes coverage that captures this pivotal industry phase.

As the 2026 NBAA-BACE approaches, the recognition provided by the Gold Wing Award continues to enhance journalistic focus on business aviation performance, policy development, and technological progress. The award’s continuation reflects NBAA’s commitment to fostering dialogue between the industry and the public through quality, informed media coverage.