Business Aviation
NBAA and MedAire Launch Peer Support for Individual Aviation Professionals
NBAA and MedAire partner to provide individual aviation professionals confidential access to peer support for mental health through MedAire Wellbeing Services.
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
Photo Credit: Envato
Business Aviation
Apollo and KKR Value Atlantic Aviation at Nearly $10 Billion
Apollo and KKR announced a strategic partnership valuing FBO network Atlantic Aviation at nearly $10 billion in August 2026.
Apollo Global Management and KKR & Co. Inc. announced a strategic partnership on August 27, 2026, valuing fixed-base operator (FBO) network Atlantic Aviation at nearly $10 billion. The transaction sees Apollo-managed funds acquire a significant stake in the company, while KKR retains a substantial shareholder position.
In a joint press release, the investment firms outlined plans to support the continued expansion of Atlantic Aviation, which provides mission-critical infrastructure such as aircraft fueling and hangar leasing across the United States. The $10 billion valuation represents a sharp increase from the $4.5 billion KKR paid to acquire the company from Macquarie Infrastructure in 2021, reflecting sustained demand for private aviation facilities.
Strategic Investment and Market Positioning
Investments: Apollo has originated $155 billion in infrastructure transactions across various sectors over the past five years. KKR brings extensive sector experience, having invested $12 billion across the aviation industry since 2015 and currently managing $120 billion in infrastructure assets.
David Cohen, a partner at Apollo Global Management, highlighted the company’s irreplicable infrastructure footprint across busy Airports, which is supported by long-term concession agreements.
“The private aviation market has structural tailwinds that we believe will persist, and Atlantic is well positioned to capture that growth. We look forward to working closely with Jeff, the entire Atlantic team and KKR to build on its momentum through targeted investment and strategic new market expansion.”
Dash Lane, a partner at KKR & Co. Inc., noted that the continued support reflects conviction in the platform and the long-term growth of the sector. Lane stated that the firm has worked closely with the Atlantic Aviation team over the past five years to expand and strengthen the business.
Operational Impact for Atlantic Aviation
Atlantic Aviation CEO Jeff Foland characterized the investment as a validation of the company’s performance and potential.
“This transaction is more than a milestone for Atlantic, it is a powerful validation of what our people have built together. To have two of the world’s most respected investment firms choose to invest in our company is an extraordinary endorsement of our people, our performance, and our potential.”
The exact financial terms, including the specific purchase price paid by Apollo and the resulting ownership split between the two firms, were not disclosed in the announcement.
AirPro News analysis
We view the doubling of Atlantic Aviation’s valuation over a five-year period as a clear indicator of the premium placed on established FBO networks. The private aviation sector has experienced sustained structural growth, compounded by broader commercial aircraft shortages and an overall increase in private flight activity. Because airport real estate is finite and long-term concession agreements create high barriers to entry, incumbent FBO operators hold significant pricing power. The combined financial backing of Apollo and KKR will likely accelerate Atlantic Aviation’s acquisition of independent FBOs and expansion into new regional markets.
Sources: Apollo Global Management
Photo Credit: Atlantic Aviation
Business Aviation
Atlantic Aviation Breaks Ground on New FBO at Nashville JWN
Atlantic Aviation begins construction of a new executive FBO terminal and hangar at John C. Tune Airport, due Q4 2027.
Atlantic Aviation has officially commenced construction on a new executive fixed-base operator (FBO) terminal and hangar complex at John C. Tune Airports (JWN) in Nashville, Tennessee, expanding its infrastructure footprint in the region.
Announced in a press release on August 25, 2026, the project is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2027. The development follows Atlantic Aviation’s successful bid for a new leasehold through a Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) request for proposals in May 2025 and complements the company’s existing operations at Nashville International Airport (BNA).
Facility specifications and infrastructure
The planned facility will feature a 7,500-square-foot executive terminal alongside a 37,000-square-foot hangar and office complex. To accommodate aircraft movement and parking, the project includes the development of approximately 175,000 square feet of new ramp space.
The infrastructure upgrades will incorporate a new fuel farm with a 60,000-gallon capacity for Jet-A and a 12,000-gallon capacity for 100LL aviation gasoline. According to the company, the design integrates Sustainability initiatives, including Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) focused elements, efficient building systems, and construction waste minimization strategies.
Strategic expansion in the Nashville market
Located eight miles west of downtown Nashville, John C. Tune Airport serves as a primary reliever for BNA and a key gateway for general aviation. MNAA President and Chief Executive Officer Doug Kreulen stated that the expansion marks a major step forward in strengthening access for the area’s growing general aviation community.
“By bringing world-class facilities and services to John C. Tune Airport, Atlantic Aviation is helping us position the airport for long-term success, and we’re excited for the expanded opportunities this Investments will create for our customers and for Middle Tennessee,” Kreulen said.
Atlantic Aviation Chief Executive Officer Jeff Foland described the start of construction as an exciting milestone for the Partnerships. The company previously opened a newly completed FBO facility at BNA in June 2024.
AirPro News analysis
We view Atlantic Aviation’s dual-airport Strategy in Nashville as a direct response to the region’s sustained economic and population growth. By establishing a modern presence at JWN just two years after securing the leasehold, the company is positioning itself to capture overflow corporate traffic that might otherwise face congestion at BNA. The inclusion of substantial ramp space and high-capacity fuel storage indicates an expectation of high-volume, large-cabin business jet traffic at the reliever airport.
Sources: Atlantic Aviation
Photo Credit: Atlantic Aviation
Business Aviation
Avcon Industries Delivers Modified King Air B200 for Mosquito Control
Avcon Industries delivered a modified Beechcraft King Air B200 to Lee County Mosquito Control District in Florida for aerial pest mitigation.
Avcon Industries, Inc. delivered its first specially modified Beechcraft King Air B200 equipped for large-scale mosquito mitigation to the Lee County Mosquito Control District in Florida on August 25, 2026.
In a press release, the Butler National Corporation subsidiary detailed the engineering modifications designed to support rapid airborne liquid dispersal for disease and pest prevention. The delivery provides the Florida district with a twin-engine turboprop platform capable of covering larger areas than traditional ground-based methods or smaller agricultural aircraft.
Engineering and modification details
The special mission modification centers on a removable external under-fuselage pod. The system incorporates an electric pump, aerodynamic fairings, and dispersal booms to facilitate repeatable fluid application.
Avcon Industries President Marcus Abendroth stated the project highlights the company’s capacity to integrate specialized mission systems into established airframes.
“The King Air B200 provides an excellent platform for this mission, and the solution developed by our team creates an opportunity to support similar mosquito-control and airborne dispersal requirements for other operators,” Abendroth said.
Operational impact in Florida
Mosquito mitigation remains a persistent public health requirement in Florida due to the climate and the associated risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. The Lee County Mosquito Control District utilizes aviation assets to manage these risks across extensive geographical areas.
Wayne Luettich, Aircraft Maintenance Manager for the district, emphasized the importance of the new platform for local residents.
“Mosquito control has become a significant effort in Florida. We have an important mission to mitigate the impact of the mosquitoes on our residents. We look forward to operating the Avcon-modified airplane and appreciate the Avcon engineering services,” Luettich said.
AirPro News analysis
We note that adapting business aviation platforms like the King Air B200 for public health missions reflects a demand for higher payload and extended range in aerial application. While single-engine agricultural aircraft excel in localized operations, twin-engine turboprops offer the speed and capacity required for county-wide vector control, particularly in coastal regions requiring rapid response to emerging public health threats.
Sources: Avcon Industries, Inc.
Photo Credit: Avcon Industries
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