Michael Grossmann, founder and CEO of Castle Aviation, has received the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) 2025 Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of his decades of leadership, innovation and steadfast commitment to advancing business and general aviation.

Grossmann has been a driving force in the aviation community for more than 40 years. Since founding Castle Aviation in Green, Ohio, he has grown the company from a single aircraft into a thriving passenger charter, cargo and maintenance operation headquartered at Akron-Canton airport. Under his leadership, Castle Aviation recently celebrated the opening of an $10.5 million, 80,000sq ft hangar and private terminal, positioning the company for continued growth and expanded service to northeast Ohio and beyond.

“Michael Grossmann represents the very best of our industry,” says Curt Castagna, NATA president and CEO. “Through his leadership at Castle Aviation, his decades of volunteer service to NATA and his commitment to giving back through initiatives like the Veterans Airlift Command, Michael has set an extraordinary example of professionalism, service and dedication to the general and business aviation communities.”

A long-standing industry leader and NATA advocate, Grossmann has served on the association’s board of directors and has been an active member of the Air Charter Committee over the years, including serving as chairman of the Air Cargo Subcommittee. He has also contributed to industry-wide efforts through previous participation on multiple FAA Aviation Rulemaking Committees and the TSA Aviation Security Advisory Group’s working group for air cargo initiatives, helping to shape safety and security standards for the industry.

“I am truly honoured to be recognised by my peers. Paying it forward is such a small price when you consider what aviation has given me,” Grossman comments.

The Distinguished Service Award is one of NATA’s highest honours, recognising individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service and made significant contributions to the general aviation industry.

Grossmann will be recognised during NATA’s 2025 Aviation Business Conference in Dallas, Texas, on 18 November.