NBAA Mourns the Passing of President and CEO Ed Bolen, Aviation Legend

NBAA announced the passing of Ed Bolen, the longtime president and CEO who led the National Business Aviation Association for nearly a quarter century. The organization described Bolen as an industry giant for his leadership role within the business aviation sector, with the acknowledgment rooted in an NBAA statement. The material does not provide further biographical specifics, dates, or circumstances surrounding his passing beyond his extended tenure at the association.

A separate report from Canadian Military Family Magazine covered a distinct aviation-related event, noting the Department of National Defence marking the reopening and rededication of Hangar 14 at Ottawa International Airport. The ceremony honored renowned Canadian test pilot Janusz "Zura" Żurakowski and featured participation by Minister of National Defence David McGuinty. The piece ties the ceremony to Żurakowski’s legacy in Canadian aviation and to the broader significance of the site and its namesake.

According to Canadian Military Family Magazine, the modernization of Hangar 14 brings the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE) under one roof in a renovated facility. The consolidated space supports personnel, aircraft, laboratories, and engineering functions in a single location, with the upgraded hangar spanning about 6,600 square meters. The facility now provides modern offices, aircraft laboratories, testing zones, and expanded maintenance and storage areas to support testing for the Canadian Armed Forces.

The report notes that Hangar 14, originally constructed in 1955 and designated a federal heritage building, underwent a multi-year renovation completed under a 2021 contract with Pomerleau Inc. The project preserved key architectural elements such as the hangar doors and the arched ceiling while updating the building to current codes and sustainability standards, and it facilitated the creation of roughly 150 local jobs during construction.

Żurakowski is highlighted in the ceremony as a celebrated test pilot known for his role in testing Canadian aircraft and for developing the Zurabatic Cartwheel aerobatic maneuver. The facility’s new namesake is linked to Żurakowski’s work with Avro Canada and his contributions to the CF-105 Arrow program, reinforcing a connection between the historic site and Canada’s aerospace heritage.

The reopening and the movements associated with the relocation of AETE operations are described as having environmental benefits, with the Department estimating a 58 percent reduction in annual greenhouse gas emissions due to the shift to Ottawa. The projected decrease reflects greater use of fuel-efficient aircraft and simulators for proficiency training conducted in partnership with Transport Canada.

Overall, the reopening event and the consolidation of AETE operations are portrayed as reinforcing Canada’s commitment to safe, modern aviation testing capabilities for the military, while also preserving a historic landmark and honoring a prominent figure in the nation’s aviation history. The material connects these modernization efforts to environmental considerations and to the enduring legacy of Żurakowski as part of the site’s new namesake.