About the Society

In honor of Tony Jannus...

The Tampa and St. Petersburg Chambers of Commerce established The Tony Jannus Distinguished Aviation Society in 1964 to recognize outstanding contributors to the growth and improvement of the scheduled airline industry. 

The Tony Jannus Award honorees include elite aviation pioneers, aeronautical engineers, industry CEOs and governmental leaders.  The “who’s who” list includes world renowned figures including: Sir Lenox Hewitt; The Honorable Norman Minetta; Captain Edward V. Rickenbacker; Sir Frank Whittle; Lt, Gen. James Doolittle; William Powell Lear; Donald W. Douglas; Brigadier General Charles “Chuck” Yeager; Herb Kelleher, Sir Richard Branson, Gary Kelly, and Capt. Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger.

The Society is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that focuses on a three-part mission to:

1. Perpetuate the legacy of the world’s first commercial airline, initiated and piloted by Tony Jannus on January 1, 1914 between St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida

2. Promote and provide financial support to college students pursuing careers in commercial aviation through its Jannus Scholar Award program

3. Encourage the interest of high school students in commercial aviation and the legacy of Tony Jannus through its annual Statewide Jannus Essay Contest.

Through the support of our Board Members and event sponsors the Jannus Society has proudly provided more than $275,000 to help potential future leaders of our industry.