The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) awarded Signature Aviation and the SunGate Foundation its 2026 Al Ueltschi Award for Humanitarian Leadership in Las Vegas on 21 October 2026, recognising their leadership in combating human trafficking through collaboration with NBAA and other stakeholders. Working with NBAA and the American Association of Airport Executives, the two organisations have developed practical tools and training to help aviation professionals recognise and report potential trafficking. The resources are available through NBAA’s Operation Flightline initiative, launched earlier this year at the association’s International Operators Conference (IOC).

NBAA said that although aviation remains among the safest and most secure forms of transportation, available data shows human trafficking through aviation is a real concern. According to U.S. Department of Transportation survivor surveys cited by NBAA, commercial airlines account for about 12% of transport used during exploitation and general aviation about 4%; NBAA said education and resources for identifying trafficking situations, which often share common characteristics, can be highly effective in mitigating the practice. The award was presented during a luncheon held as part of the 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE).

“We’re proud to recognize Signature Aviation and the SunGate Foundation for their leadership in helping educate our industry about the role aviation professionals can play in combating human trafficking,” said NBAA Interim COO Dan Hubbard. “Safety has always been at the heart of business aviation, and that includes the safety of the people who fly with us. Aviation is strongest when we work together.”

NBAA described Signature Aviation as operating the world’s largest network of fixed-base operators, providing hospitality, fuelling and ground support services for business aviation. The SunGate Foundation is a survivor-led nonprofit that helps human trafficking survivors pursue higher education and build independent lives; its CEO, Shamere McKenzie, is herself a trafficking survivor who shared her experience at NBAA’s IOC in March.

NBAA said the business aviation community has long supported efforts to counter trafficking, including a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Lightning program, which provides aviation-specific training for identifying and reporting suspected trafficking. In 2025, NBAA was among the first recipients of Flights to Freedom’s Clay Lacy Friendship Medal for its work raising awareness of trafficking; Flights to Freedom partners with federal and state law enforcement and Child Protective Services and flies survivors to loved ones or support organisations for trauma care.

Note: Created in 2006, the Al Ueltschi Award for Humanitarian Leadership is named for Albert L. Ueltschi, recognised for his philanthropic work including founding ORBIS International, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing blindness. Past recipients include participants in the Cessna Citation Special Olympics Airlift, the Veterans Airlift Command, the Corporate Angel Network, disaster relief volunteers, FedEx Express and founder Frederick W. Smith for supporting the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital, and aviator Sean D. Tucker with the Bob Hoover Academy.