NBAA and MedAire Launch Peer Support for Individual Aviation Professionals

This article is based on an official press release from NBAA and MedAire.

On May 1, 2026, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and MedAire, an International SOS company, announced a landmark partnerships to extend MedAire Wellbeing Services directly to individual NBAA members. According to the official press release, this initiative provides aviation professionals,including pilots, flight attendants, schedulers, and dispatchers,with independent access to a confidential peer support program at a preferred rate.

This announcement marks a significant milestone for the business aviation sector. Historically, mental health resources have been tied to corporate flight departments or employer-sponsored Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). By allowing individual enrollment, the NBAA and MedAire are creating a new pathway for professionals to seek help independently, bypassing the stigma and confidentiality concerns that often deter aviation workers from utilizing employer-linked services.

The newly expanded service is powered by the “Talk to a Peer” (TTAP) methodology, a system developed in collaboration with OdiliaClark, a firm specializing in impairment risk management for safety-critical industries. The program is designed to offer a secure, 24/7 digital platform where aviation professionals can connect with trained peers who intimately understand the unique pressures of the industry.

Breaking Down the Stigma in Aviation Mental Health

The aviation industry has long grappled with a disconnect between mental health awareness and the willingness of its workforce to seek assistance. Strict aeromedical licensing regulations frequently foster a fear of professional repercussions, including the potential for grounding. According to statistics cited in the press release, 75% of pilots would not disclose a mental health concern to their employer. Furthermore, the data highlights that 58% of cabin crew members reported experiencing moderate depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While many professionals have access to corporate EAPs, these programs are often underutilized. The announcement notes that general counselors frequently lack an understanding of industry-specific stressors, such as time zone disruptions, irregular schedules, and complex crew dynamics, which can further discourage aviation workers from seeking help.

The “Talk to a Peer” Approach

To combat these challenges, the MedAire Wellbeing Services program utilizes Peer Supporters,current or former aviation professionals who have received specialized training in active listening, empathy, resilience-building, and crisis response. The press release emphasizes that the program is non-diagnostic and is intended to complement, rather than replace, clinical mental health services.

The efficacy of this peer-to-peer model is supported by compelling data. According to the program’s historical metrics, nearly 90% of issues brought to the “Talk to a Peer” platform are successfully resolved by peer support volunteers without the need for escalation to clinical professionals. However, if clinical intervention is required, the program provides direct pathways to licensed resources, including aviation psychologists and addiction psychiatrists.

Expanding Access Beyond the Flight Department

MedAire and OdiliaClark initially launched the “Talk to a Peer” service for business aviation flight departments in May 2024. This 2026 partnership with the NBAA represents a critical expansion of that model, shifting the focus from corporate-level access to individual empowerment. This individual enrollment option is particularly beneficial for contracted workers, freelancers, and professionals whose employers lack formal mental health programs.

The initiative also aligns closely with regulatory momentum. In April 2024, the FAA’s Mental Health & Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) issued recommendations highlighting the critical need for enhanced Peer Support Programs (PSPs) and non-punitive disclosure pathways to address mental health issues proactively.

Industry Leadership Perspectives

Leadership from both organizations emphasized the importance of creating a safe, judgment-free environment for aviation workers. In the official announcement, Ed Bolen, President and CEO of NBAA, highlighted the value of the peer-to-peer structure:

“NBAA is pleased to offer MedAire Wellbeing Services as a valuable benefit for our members. This peer-to-peer program doesn’t just accelerate access to treatment; it creates a judgment-free space where pilots and other aviation professionals can speak openly and honestly. Aviation professionals deserve unwavering support for their mental wellness, and a supportive environment where they feel confident seeking help without fear of repercussions.”

, Ed Bolen, President and CEO of NBAA

MedAire, which pioneered aviation medical assistance in 1985 and currently serves over 250 airlines and 6,800 business aircraft operators, views this partnership as a necessary evolution in industry safety. Richard Gomez, Senior Vice President of Aviation Products and Solutions at MedAire, stated:

“With MedAire Wellbeing Services, we’ve positioned our resources at the frontline of the industry’s evolving approach to mental health. This partnership with NBAA ensures that mental health support is accessible to the entire business aviation community. By bridging the gap between recognizing mental health issues and actively addressing them, we’re enabling aviation professionals to operate securely and confidently anywhere in the world.”

, Richard Gomez, Senior Vice President of Aviation Products and Solutions at MedAire

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we view the democratization of mental health access as a vital step forward for aviation safety. By shifting from a model of corporate dependency to one of individual empowerment, the NBAA and MedAire are effectively closing a dangerous gap in the industry’s safety net. Contracted and gig-economy aviation workers, who often operate outside the protective umbrella of corporate HR departments, now have a dedicated resource.

Furthermore, the “aviators supporting aviators” methodology addresses the core issue of trust. Traditional therapy can sometimes feel alienating to flight crews dealing with the highly specific fatigue of safety-critical decision-making and constant travel. By framing mental health support as a proactive, casual conversation with a peer, the industry is moving away from reactive crisis management and toward a culture of continuous, preventative care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is MedAire Wellbeing Services?
It is a confidential peer support program powered by the “Talk to a Peer” methodology, connecting aviation professionals with trained peers to discuss daily stressors and mental health concerns.

Who is eligible for this new program?
Through the new partnership, individual NBAA members,including pilots, flight attendants, schedulers, and dispatchers,can enroll independently of their employers.

Is the service confidential?
Yes. The program operates on a secure digital platform and is designed to bypass employer channels, alleviating fears of professional repercussions or grounding.

Does this replace traditional therapy?
No. The program is non-diagnostic. While nearly 90% of issues are resolved through peer support, the service provides direct pathways to licensed clinical professionals if needed.

Sources: NBAA Press Release