NATA Mourns the Passing of Former Board Member and Industry Advocate Robert Olislagers

NATA (the National Air Transportation Association) was saddened to hear of the passing of industry champion Robert Olislagers and recognizes his immeasurable contributions to enriching the aviation business community and those who support it.

Robert Olislagers served as the executive director and CEO of Centennial Airport in Denver, Colorado, and was named as senior coordinator of the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative in September 2022.

Throughout his numerous airport leadership positions in California, New York, and Colorado, Olislagers advanced various priorities including economic development, environmental sustainability, aviation security, and workforce development. Under his leadership, Centennial Airport became the first general aviation airport in Colorado to adopt a sustainability program.

“Olislagers was named to the NATA Board of Directors in 2012 and was an active Association member for many years, providing an innate perspective on the intricate connection between airports, tenants, pilots, and communities. Robert was not only a valued mentor, but a true friend to many of us in aviation. He knew everything about the industry and was willing to share it all. His passing is deeply felt by all those who had the pleasure to know him and the privilege to work with him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends,” stated NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna.

In addition to his service on the NATA Board, Olislagers served as a member of the board of directors for the International Association of Airport Executives, South East Business Partnership, HSS Security, Inc., and Developmental Pathways. His notable honors include NATA’s Airport Executive Partnership Award, the Leadership Award from the American Association of Airport Executives, Airport Executive of the Year from SW Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives, and Airport Operator of the Year from N.O.I.S.E, among many others. Olislagers authored numerous publications on airport security, aviation and aviation history, airport noise, airport management, and airport land use issues, as well as a book on the history of airports.