The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Award for Distinguished Service will be presented to Captain William “Bill” Bohlke in recognition of his outstanding service and ongoing contributions to the industry. Bohlke will be presented with the award during a luncheon on November 3, held in conjunction with the NATA 2022 Aviation Business Conference in Miami.
Bohlke is the founder of Bohlke International Airways, a majority family-owned and operated FBO, charter operator, and Part 145 repair station in the U.S. Virgin Islands that he and his wife Ruth Ann (Tuddy) formed in 1984. His son, Billy, now runs the day-to-day operations, with the elder Bohlke acting in a business advisory role.
He has also been an active participant in leading aviation groups, including NATA, where he served on the board from 1986 to 1989. He retired from American Airlines in 2006 after 38 years and is currently the standing president of The Grey Eagles, an organization of senior and retired American Airlines pilots.
“Captain Bohlke’s roots in developing and fostering aviation in the U.S. Virgin Islands run deep. A lifelong aviator, educator, and industry advocate, Bill has always leveraged his skills and resources to prioritize the safety, viability, and welfare of his community, demonstrating firsthand the immense value of aviation businesses,” said NATA president and CEO Timothy Obitts.
