The Tony Jannus Distinguished Aviation Society is proud to honor Delta Air Lines Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian as this year’s Tony Jannus Award recipient, presented annually to someone who has made major and lasting contributions to the commercial aviation industry.

“Ed Bastian is not only one of the biggest ‘names’ in commercial aviation today, he also has been one of the most impactful,” said Steve Pelham, 2025 Tony Jannus Society Co-Chair.

“His visionary leadership has helped position Delta as one of the world’s premier international airlines,” said fellow 2025 Co-Chair, David Long. “We are pleased to honor him with one of the industry’s highest accolades.”

Under Bastian’s leadership, Delta is transforming the air travel experience with generational investments in technology, aircraft, airport facilities and, most importantly, Delta’s employees worldwide. A more-than-25-year Delta veteran, Bastian has been a critical leader in Delta’s long-term strategy and champion of putting Delta’s shared values of honesty, integrity, respect, perseverance and servant leadership at the core of every decision.

Please join the Tony Jannus Distinguished Aviation Society in honoring extraordinary accomplishments in the field of commercial aviation, by becoming a sponsor of the 2025 Tony Jannus Award. A portion of each sponsorship is contributed to a scholars awards program for student aviation enthusiasts. We'd like to invite you in congratulating Mr. Ed Bastian, our 2025 Tony Jannus Award Winner at our banquet at The JW Marriott Tampa on Thursday November 13, 2025 at 6:00pm.