NBAA will present Exclusive Air founder and president Holly Whitaker with the Schedulers & Dispatchers Outstanding Achievement & Leadership Award at the 2026 conference, which takes place 24-26 March in Cleveland, Ohio.

Whitaker is the founder of New Hampshire-based Exclusive Air, a worldwide charter brokerage company that is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. She began her career in aviation as a scheduler in a small charter company and worked for various larger charter management companies before embarking on creating her own company.

She's been active on the NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee and previous served as its chair. Whitaker is and currently active with the committee's Advisory Council.

In 1992, Whitaker founded the Business Aviation Professionals of New England (BAPNE), which is a networking group focused on advancing the business aviation industry in the region. Throughout her career, she has continually promoted the education and professional recognition of schedulers and dispatchers for their role in the flight department.

“I am truly honoured to receive this prestigious award as a business owner and advocate for the business aviation community. I will continue to spread the word by introducing and mentoring new people to this amazing industry,” says Whitaker.

“My involvement with the NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee as a previous chair and currently as an active participant with the Advisory Council has been priceless. I have had the pleasure to work with the finest people in aviation. All along the way, it has been my objective to continue promoting the awareness of the critical role of the scheduler and dispatcher.”

“I am joyful in seeing Holly Whitaker's name join the distinguished list of OALA recipients. Her legacy in our community, which began with her leadership as one of the first chairs of the Schedulers and Dispatchers Conference in 1997, is truly lengthy and impactful,” confirms NBAA senior vice president, events and professional development, Jo Damato. “Having been part of the original award discussions nearly two decades ago, I can attest that Holly embodies the very principles of outstanding achievement, service and visionary leadership that we sought to recognise.”

“Holly exemplifies what leadership in business aviation looks like, combining deep expertise with a commitment to safety, excellence and the advancement of others,” reveals Tyler Austin, NBAA senior director of events and credentialing. “We are thrilled to honour a leader who leads by example and inspires others to reach their full potential.”

Whitaker is the 17th recipient of the S&D Outstanding Achievement & Leadership Award, which was created in 2008 to recognise individuals who have shared their business aviation industry expertise, provided extraordinary service, exhibited leadership and made significant contributions to the scheduling and dispatching function.