NBAA names 40 Under 40 award winners, for 2026

Among the 40 Under 40 awards list for 2026, the NBAA named five members of private aviation flight providers.

Below are some highlighted award winners, alongside the full list of awardees for 2026.

The 2026 Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 list recognizes rising leaders in the industry.

Other industry members nominate candidates, and the NBAA’s Young Professionals Council selects them.

Award winners are not ranked; instead, they are organized by category and company.

Information is drawn from the NBAA 2026 40 Under 40 awards, or otherwise from LinkedIn.

Awardee highlights

Bobby Perez, VP of Charter Services, Clay Lacy Aviation

Over 20 years ago, Bobby Perez was working as a dog sitter when one of his clients, who owned a charter brokerage, offered him an internship.

Years later, after serving as an executive at a large charter brokerage, Perez joined Clay Lacy Aviation to lead charter services from the operator side instead.

“There weren’t many people who looked like me in leadership,” said Perez, regarding when he entered the industry. “So I’ve made it a priority to mentor and create opportunities for individuals who may not have otherwise found a place in business aviation.”

Eloy Freitas, VP of Safety, Quality, and Continuous Improvement, Clay Lacy Aviation

After studying aeronautical engineering at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, Eloy Freitas joined Embraer‘s business aviation division and chose to stay in the industry.

After living in several countries and moving between companies, he eventually settled in the U.S. and joined Clay Lacy, where he became an executive.

In addition to his current responsibilities at Clay Lacy, he oversees operations/management initiatives and contributes to industry boards and committees.

“Every day, talented professionals from diverse backgrounds come together to operate some of the most advanced machines in the world,” said Freitas, “Delivering exceptional service with an outstanding safety record.”

Clayton Walters, Specialist, Competitive Intelligence, Wheels UP

After working as an apprentice maintenance technician in high school, where he first discovered business aviation, Clayton Walters enlisted in the Air Force.

He served in Washington, DC, in the Air Force Honor Guard, where he became an instructor. After that tour, he enlisted in the Air National Guard, where he still serves.

After gaining a private pilot certificate, he became a mission planner with Wheels Up and has continued his career in business aviation ever since.

“Our field is becoming increasingly more visible,” said Walters, “And that opens the doors to new talent, new ideas and new collaborations across industries.”

Emily Tobler, Sustainability Program Manager, 4Air

Emily Tobler first started flying lessons at 15, and her interest in business aviation only deepened later in college.

There, she volunteered with the Greater St. Louis Business Aviation Association and Wings of Hope, and later interned at the NBAA.

While she initially expected to become a pilot, Tobler eventually worked at the NBAA, promoting environmental sustainability initiatives.

She now works for 4Air, supporting aviation sustainability, and wants to make environmental progress.

“Working with operators who are willing and able to adopt sustainable solutions, like uplifting SAF (sustainable aviation fuel),” said Tobler, “Has been incredibly rewarding because we can see positive change happen now, not years down the road.”

Ryan Rudolph, Strategy and Operations, Bark Air

After interning at various technology and finance companies, Ryan Rudolph entered business aviation in 2017 as the first employee of Fly Louie, a boutique Part 380 shuttle service.

He then served as president and founder of Edgehill Group, a consultancy firm for private aviation and startups.

Now, after joining Bark Air, a subsidiary of pet products marketplace Bark, he helps negotiate suppliers, support operations, and drive cost savings.

“It is deeply fulfilling to prove that travel can be reimagined around an underserved passenger (dogs),” said Rudolph. “The most rewarding part of my career is hearing from grateful families who were able to relocate or travel stress-free, knowing business aviation spared their pets from anxiety.”

Full list of 2026 Business Aviation 40 Under 40 award winners