Aviation visionary Steven Udvar-Hazy named 2026 Tony Jannus Award recipient
The Tony Jannus Distinguished Aviation Society has announced that internationally renowned aviation innovator Steven F. Udvar-Hazy will receive the 2026 Tony Jannus Award, one of the commercial aviation industry’s highest honors. The award recognizes individuals whose work has made major and lasting contributions to aviation, and Udvar-Hazy’s impact spans more than five decades.
The award will be presented at a gala celebration on November 19, 2026, at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. The Tony Jannus Award celebrates the Tampa Bay region’s historic role as the birthplace of commercial aviation and honors figures who have shaped its global future.
“Steven Udvar-Hazy may not be a household name outside of the aviation industry, but if you’ve ever been grateful for the ability to fly somewhere important to you at a reasonable price, he might deserve more of the credit for that than any other single person,” said David Long, 2026 Tony Jannus Society Co-Chair.
Five facts you should know about Udvar-Hazy's influence on commercial aviation
1. He pioneered modern aircraft leasing.
In 1973, Udvar-Hazy co-founded International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), one of the first major aircraft leasing companies. Before his model, airlines had to buy planes outright, tying up enormous capital. His leasing concept allowed airlines to expand fleets without spending billions up front, fundamentally changing global airline economics. Today, more than half of all commercial aircraft are leased rather than owned.
2. You’ve probably flown on one of “his” planes.
At its peak, ILFC owned more aircraft than many major airlines. For decades, travelers boarding commercial flights had a strong chance of flying on a plane leased through one of Udvar-Hazy’s companies. His business quietly powered much of the world’s airline capacity.
3. He became one of Boeing and Airbus’s biggest customers.
Udvar-Hazy’s companies ordered hundreds of aircraft from both manufacturers, reportedly more than 700 Boeing jets and around 600 Airbus jets. His purchasing power gave him extraordinary influence over aircraft design, performance specifications, and pricing negotiations, helping shape the planes passengers fly today.
4. He “retired,” then built another empire.
After leaving ILFC in 2010, Udvar-Hazy founded Air Lease Corporation and immediately signed multibillion-dollar aircraft orders, including a 51-plane deal with Airbus. Rather than stepping away, he reinvented his business and created another global leader in aircraft leasing.
5. His name graces one of the world’s greatest aviation museums.
Udvar-Hazy donated more than $60 million to the Smithsonian Institution to help create the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport. The museum is home to many historic aircraft, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, the Concorde, and the prototype Boeing 367-80.
A lifetime of aviation innovation
Udvar-Hazy’s legacy extends beyond business success. He holds an FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate with multiple jet type ratings and has more than 45 years of flight experience. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA and has received numerous honorary doctorates. His long list of awards includes the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, Howard Hughes Memorial Award, and the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary.
He continues to serve the industry as a senior strategic advisor to the Board of Directors of SkyWest, Inc., and as a board member for several private corporations and investment firms.
The Tony Jannus Award, established in 1964 by the Tampa and St. Petersburg Chambers of Commerce, celebrates the Tampa Bay area as the birthplace of commercial aviation. The organization annually honors individuals who have advanced commercial aviation. Past recipients include legends such as Chuck Yeager, Herb Kelleher, Sir Richard Branson, and Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger.
Through this recognition, the Tony Jannus Distinguished Aviation Society highlights both aviation’s rich heritage and its future, supporting education and outreach for Florida students pursuing aviation careers.
For more information about the 2026 gala and sponsorship opportunities, visit TonyJannus.com.