Scheeringa Named NATA Ong Trophy Recipient, Schmidt Receives NATA Distinguished Service Award

Former NATA (National Air Transportation Association) Board Chairs Michael Scheeringa and Greg Schmidt receive top honors for 2022-2023. Scheeringa and Schmidt will be recognized during the Association’s Industry Excellence Awards Presentation Luncheon held in conjunction with the November 2nd NATA 2023 Aviation Business Conference in Long Beach, California.

Michael Scheeringa, Managing Director of SAR Trilogy Management based in Orlando, will receive the William “Bill” A. Ong Award, NATA’s highest honor for career service. 

“Michael Scheeringa’s vision for strengthening partnerships with other leading aviation industry groups and elevating NATA’s stature in Washington continues to benefit the Association to this day,” said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. “As a champion of the greater good, Michael compels organizations like NATA to be a catalyst for positive change, moving the entire industry ever forward. His leadership and work on the Board helped NATA provide a voice for FBOs, charter operators, and all aviation businesses on Capitol Hill, which is key as we help usher through critical, comprehensive legislation such as FAA Reauthorization.”

Early in his career, Scheeringa spent 13 years at US Airways where he held several officer-level positions including operations, planning, and oversight of several of the company’s wholly owned subsidiaries. Scheeringa subsequently turned to the general aviation community with CEO roles at Flight Options from 2004-2008, Signature Flight Support from 2009-2012, and BBA Aviation from 2013-2015. 

Scheeringa joined the NATA Board of Directors in 2011 and served as Vice Chairman beginning in 2012, then Chairman beginning in 2013. During his tenure, he was credited with helping the industry navigate long-term lease options for FBOs and other airport tenants at a time when the craze for short-term leases was hampering growth, while helping NATA and its members strategize big-picture plans for long-term success.

In March 2015, Scheeringa followed his entrepreneurial spirit, establishing an aviation infrastructure and support investment company with Sanjay Aggarwal. Through SAR Trilogy Management LLC, Scheeringa and Aggarwal foster investment in aviation, transport, logistics, and travel businesses, leveraging their expertise to create sustainable and profitable growth.

Greg Schmidt—President & CEO of Pentastar Aviation in Waterford Township, Michigan—will receive NATA’s Distinguished Service Award.