Joan Sullivan Garrett, founder of MedAire, has been named the 2025 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy recipient by the National Aeronautic Association. The award honours significant public service to aviation in the United States.

Garrett started MedAire in 1985 after her experience as a critical-care flight nurse and chief medical officer. She led the company until 2006 and helped shape FAA regulations through congressional testimony. In 2001, her efforts contributed to the requirement that U.S. airlines carry defibrillators and improved medical kits.

“For decades, Joan has combined entrepreneurialism with expertise and empathy to save countless lives and make our entire industry safer and more secure,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “We congratulate her on this well-deserved honour.”

Today, MedAire supports thousands of aviation, maritime and government clients with real-time medical and security services. Garrett has also served on NBAA’s board and advisory council, and received its Meritorious Service Award in 2017.

She was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2020 and previously received the Flight Safety Foundation's Meritorious Service Award.

The trophy will be awarded at the NAA’s Wright Memorial Dinner on December 12 in Washington, DC.