Aviation Leader Brian Barents Named 2025 Wichita Aero Club Trophy Recipient
Trophy Gala to take place in January 2026
WICHITA, KAN. (Oct. 23, 2025) – This week, the Wichita Aero Club (WAC) announced Brian Barents, a distinguished leader in business aviation and aerospace, as the recipient of the 2025 Wichita Aero Club Trophy. This annual award honors individuals, groups, or organizations with deep ties to the Wichita region who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in aviation or aerospace.
“Brian Barents exemplifies the leadership, expertise and commitment to advancing the aviation industry that is fundamental to the Wichita Aero Club Trophy. His decades of military service and corporate leadership span executive roles, strategic leadership, and impactful contributions that have strengthened Wichita’s position in the global aerospace community,” said Ashley Bowen Cook, WAC Trophy Committee Chair and Greteman Group President.
The award presentation will take place at the Wichita Aero Club’s annual Trophy Gala on January 31, 2026, where aviation leaders and community members will gather to celebrate his contributions.
The nomination included the following remarks:
Brian is a legend in the industry. He took Learjet from bankruptcy, repositioned it in the industry and sold it to Bombardier. He resurrected the product line and invested in new products, the Learjet 60 and the Learjet 45. Employment grew from just under 300 to over 4,000. Since then, he has served as President and CEO of Galaxy Aerospace, CEO of Aerion Corp and various boards – GAMA, NORDAM, CAE, Hawker Beechcraft, Eclipse Aviation and currently JetZero.
About Brian Barents
Brian Barents brings over three decades of distinguished experience in both military and civilian aviation leadership. A retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General, Barents logged over 6,700 flight hours in various fighter aircraft during his 34 years of service. Transitioning to industry, he held chief executive officer roles at major aerospace companies, including Aerion Supersonic, Galaxy Aerospace Corp—where he successfully sold the business to Gulfstream Aerospace—and Learjet Inc. At Learjet, Barents led the company out of bankruptcy, repositioned it within the industry, and oversaw its sale to Bombardier. He revitalized the product line and developed new models such as the Learjet 60 and Learjet 45. Under his leadership, the workforce increased from fewer than 300 to more than 4,000 employees.
Barents has served on several industry boards, including GAMA, NORDAM, CAE Corp., Hawker Beechcraft, Eclipse Aviation, Kaman Aerospace and JetZero. He holds an MBA from the University of Michigan and a BBA from Western Michigan University.
About the WAC Trophy
The Wichita Aero Club Trophy is awarded annually to a living person, group, or organization with a strong relationship to the greater Wichita area based on exemplary achievements in the field of aviation or aerospace accomplished during the past year or, as appropriate, over an extended period or career. The Trophy Selection Committee includes members of the WAC Board of Directors and prominent members of the aviation community.
Prior WAC Trophy Recipients
2024: Fred Berry, Co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of Berry Companies, Inc.
2023: U.S. Senator Jerry Moran
2022: Dr. John Tomblin, Senior Vice President, Industry and Defense Programs; Executive Director, National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR); and Sam Bloomfield Distinguished Professor of Aerospace Engineering for Wichita State University
2021: Ron Ryan, Pilot, Airline Founder and Philanthropist
2020: No award due to COVID-19
2019: Clay Lacy, Legendary Pilot and Founder of Clay Lacy Aviation
2018: Jack Pelton, Experimental Aircraft Association CEO
2017: Lynn Nichols & Yingling Aviation
2016: Paul Bowen, Aviation Photographer
2015: Doc’s Friends Restoration Team
2014: Al Higdon, Co-Founder of Sullivan Higdon & Sink Advertising
2013: Russell W. Meyer, Jr. Chairman Emeritus, Cessna Aircraft Company
2012: John O’Leary & Airbus Americas Engineering
2011: Jeff Turner, Spirit AeroSystems CEO
2010: Velma Wallace