A lifelong aviation enthusiast who joined&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;in 2007, Curt came to&nbsp;the publication&nbsp;from the broadcast industry where he was a national science and technology television reporter and producer. He writes on the FBO field, aviation finance, and sustainable aviation and occasionally contributes to&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;sister publication&nbsp;Business Jet Traveler. Curt was a member of the AINtv reporting staff that won the 2008 Aerospace Journalist of the Year award for Best Airshow Daily. That same year, he was a finalist for another AJOYA award. He earned an AJOYA for Best Business Aviation Submission in 2018 and was a finalist in that category in 2021. He received the National Air Transportation Association’s&nbsp; Aviation Journalist Award in 2012 and won a Pegasus Sapphire Business Aviation Award for outstanding journalism in 2021.
Before joining AIN, Curt worked with&nbsp;Consumer Reports’ television division, CRTV, and for several local television news staffs. An honors graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, he earned a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University in 1995. Curt lives in New York State with his wife and two young sons.

Business Aviation Services Editor

Curt Epstein

Roger Woolsey, owner and CEO of Million Air Interlink (the parent company of the Million Air FBO chain) and REW Investments, has been named the 2025 recipient of the National Air Transportation Association’s (NATA) highest honor, the William A. “Bill” Ong Memorial Award.
A seasoned aviator with more than 26,000 flight hours, Woolsey has earned an airline transport pilot certificate, multiple type ratings, and an airframe and powerplant mechanic certificate during his career that spans nearly four decades.
Starting at age 19, he became the youngest FAA air carrier operator in history, and went on to launch several successful businesses, including Prestige Touring and American Jet International.
Woolsey joined the FBO industry in 2002 when he acquired Million Air Interlink and has since grown it into one of the most recognized brands in the industry with nearly 40 company-owned and franchised locations in North America, including in Hawaii.
Beyond his business dealings, he has had an impact on the aviation industry through mentorship, safety advocacy, and industry collaboration.
“Aviation has been a lifelong passion for me,” explained Woolsey, adding that his father was a pilot, which spurred a fascination with flying from a young age. “I’m an aviator at heart, and while I never set out to be where I am today, I’ve always carried a bigger vision for what this industry could be. When I see a gap, I want to fix it, and I love pushing the envelope to make aviation better for everyone. I am truly humbled and honored to accept this award, which reflects not just my journey, but the incredible people and teams who share this passion with me.”
The Ong Award was established in 1984 in honor of NATA’s co-founder and is presented annually to individuals who, over the course of their careers, have advanced the general aviation industry as well as exemplified Ong’s commitment to service, safety, and advocacy.
“Roger Woolsey’s impact on aviation has been profound,” said NATA president and CEO Curt Castagna. “From his early days as a young air carrier operator to his long-standing leadership of Million Air, Roger has embodied the entrepreneurial spirit, passion for safety, and commitment to excellence that define the Ong award. His career reflects the values of innovation, perseverance, and service that strengthen our industry.”
The award will be presented to Woolsey in November at NATA’s annual Aviation Business Conference, to be held this year in Dallas.

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Million Air CEO Roger Woolsey To Receive NATA’s Highest Award

Will be recognized for his lifetime contributions to general aviation

Woolsey joined the FBO industry in 2002 when he acquired Million Air Interlink and has since grown it into one of the most recognized brands in the industry.

Million Air CEO Roger Woolsey To Receive Top NATA Award

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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