ATCA Connect conference & expo

 

2024 Glen A. Gilbert Memorial Award Recipient

Nicholas E. Calio

ATCA is proud to announce that it has selected Airlines for America (A4A) President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio as the 2024 recipient of the Glen A. Gilbert Memorial Award, the organization’s highest honor.

Calio will be honored at a banquet celebration on the evening of November 7 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. to close the newly refocused ATCA Connect annual event. His name will be inscribed on the award trophy alongside some of aviation history’s most influential pioneers, visionaries, and leaders from airspace organizations and agencies, government, and industry.

Calio has led A4A, the trade association representing the country’s leading passenger and cargo airlines, since 2011. The group advocates for America’s airlines as models of safety, security, efficiency, and customer service. He has led the association’s focus on being an influential voice in helping to shape legislative priorities and regulatory policies that improve air travel for everyone. He has fiercely advocated for the modernization of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) physical and technological infrastructure.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Calio’s leadership was credited for helping save the airline industry. He worked closely with Congress, industry partners, labor groups and other stakeholders to support the Payroll Support Program that kept airline employees on the job, trained, licensed and ready to go once demand returned. Simultaneously, Calio partnered with Harvard University’s National Preparedness Leadership Initiative of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to commission landmark, independent research studying the risk of transmission of COVID-19 during air travel—research that showed the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus was quite low and that airplanes were in fact safer than restaurants, grocery stores, or other frequently visited places. The findings were critical to restoring public confidence in air travel and relaunching air travel. Today, air travel volumes in the U.S. are at record high levels, with two million people traveling daily.

 

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Join Us for the Prestigious Glen A. Gilbert Memorial Award Soirée – Honoring Industry Excellence!

This year’s Glen A. Gilbert Memorial Award Soirée is set to be an unforgettable evening, dedicated to celebrating those who have made remarkable contributions to aviation. This is your chance to be part of a legacy that pays tribute to the pioneers who shaped the future of air traffic control and aviation safety.

Attire for the evening is Black Tie - Optional.

 

Why You Should Attend

1.        Honoring Visionary Leaders: The Glen A. Gilbert Memorial Award honors the memory of one of the "Fathers of Air Traffic Control" and celebrates the lifelong achievements of an individual who has made groundbreaking contributions to the aviation industry. This award stands as a symbol of excellence, perseverance, and leadership within the aviation community.

2.        A Trophy with Historical Significance: The award, inscribed with the names of past recipients, is permanently displayed at the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C., adding to its historical significance. Its intricate design features the Roman God Jupiter, symbolizing weather, sky, and light – a true homage to the essence of aviation.

3.        Prestige and Tradition: As ATCA’s highest honor, the Glen A. Gilbert Memorial Award is a hallmark of excellence. Past awardees include some of the most influential figures in aviation, and this year’s recipient will join their ranks during the prestigious soirée at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.

4.        A New, Fun, Engaging Format: Unlike previous years, the 2024 Soirée will feature a more dynamic and interactive setting. This new format encourages more mingling and more interaction with industry and government leaders, ATCA leadership, and other key aviation stakeholders in a relaxed, social atmosphere. Instead of a formal sit-down banquet, this year’s event will offer reserved round tables for seating, and standing cocktail tables throughout the space.  The Soirée will feature elegant, chef-curated food stations offering a variety of gourmet selections. Before and after the ceremonial part of the evening, a DJ will keep the celebration going!

Secure Your Spot: The Soirée offers separate attendance from the ATCA Connect Registration with an additional fee required and promises to be an exclusive interactive opportunity with industry leaders. Click here to get your ticket today!

Don't miss your chance to be part of this prestigious event and witness history in the making – all while enjoying a more engaging, interactive atmosphere!

GLEN A. GILBERT MEMORIAL AWARD RECIPIENTS

  • 2024 Nicholas E. Calio, President & CEO, Airlines for America
  • 2023 Teri Bristol, Founder, Bristol Consulting, LLC
  • 2023 Massimo Garbini, Chief Executive Officer at ENAV; ATM Executive Board Member at Frequentis
  • 2019 Daniel K. Elwell, FAA Deputy Administrator
  • 2018 Linda Hall Daschle, Acting FAA Administrator; President, LHD & Associates, Inc.
  • 2017 Richard H. Anderson, Northwest Airlines, Inc and Delta Air Lines, Inc.
  • 2016 Paul Rinaldi, President, NATCA
  • 2015 Sid Koslow, Vice President, and Chief Technology Officer, NAV CANADA
  • 2014 Monte Belger, Acting FAA Deputy Administrator; President, Metron Aviation
  • 2013 Patrick Ky, Executive Director, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
  • 2012 Peter Challan, Vice President of Industry Relations, Harris Corporation
  • 2011 Jane Garvey, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration; Chairman, Meridiam
  • 2010 Neil R. Planzer, Vice President, The Boeing Company
  • 2009 Allan McArtor, Chairman, Airbus Americas, Inc.
  • 2008 John Crichton, President, CEO, NAV CANADA
  • 2007 Gerald L. Thompson, Chairman, Jerry Thompson and Associates
  • 2006 Garland “Cas” Castleberry, FAA Associate Administrator, President of ATCA
  • 2005 James L. Oberstar, Congressman, U.S. House of Representatives
  • 2004 Wolfgang Philipp, Senior Director, EUROCONTROL
  • 2003 Andy Pitas, Founder of ATCA, Professional Air Traffic Controller
  • 2002 Frank Frisbie, Northrup Grumman, FAA Deputy Associate Administrator
  • 2001 William Pollard, CEO, Air Services Australia, Professional Air Traffic Controller
  • 2000 Gabriel A. Hartl, Colonel USAF Retired, President of ATCA
  • 1999 Langhorne Bond, FAA Administrator
  • 1998 Stanley Seltzer, V.P., American Airlines, Professional Air Traffic Controller
  • 1997 Yves Lambert, Director General of EUROCONTROL
  • 1996 Norman Mineta, Secretary of Transportation, U.S. Congressman
  • 1995 Captain Elrey B. Jeppesen, Airline Captain, Founder, Jeppesen & Co.
  • 1994 Tirey Vickers, Editor of ATCA Journal, Professional Air Traffic Controller
  • 1993 Joseph Del Balzo, Deputy FAA Administrator, Electrical Engineer
  • 1991 John Winant, President, National Business Aircraft Association
  • 1990 A. Scott Crossfield, Aircraft Test Pilot
  • 1989 J. Lynn Helms, FAA Administrator, President, Piper Aircraft Co.
  • 1988 Najeeb Halaby, FAA Administrator, President, Pan Am Airways
  • 1986 David Thomas, Deputy FAA Administrator, Professional Air Traffic Controller