NetJets, FlightSafety International announce major support of the Ohio Air & Space Hall of Fame and Learning Center

Naming of ‘Founders Walk’ and flight simulator stations will recognize commitment of organizations to the renovation of original Port Columbus air terminal and tower

(COLUMBUS, OHIO – January 10, 2022) Two international leaders in flight – Ohio-based companies NetJets and FlightSafety International (FSI) – jointly announced today a six-figure commitment to the non-profit Ohio Air & Space Hall of Fame and Learning Center (OAS) through an investment totaling $225,000. This is the first investment of its type.

OAS is in the middle of a multi-phase, multi-million dollar fundraising campaign to renovate the original Port Columbus air terminal and tower into its home. The joint gift from NetJets and FSI will be used to unlock $550,000 with a state matching grant, allowing OAS to begin construction on phase one of its plan. The 12,000-square-foot, three-story structure, dedicated in 1929 and on the National Register of Historic Places, is located on the southeast corner of what is now John Glenn International Airport (CMH).

When completed, OAS will recognize NetJets as the presenter of its “Founders Walk,” a series of exterior public displays heralding the original terminal’s historic significance and recognizing the key local and national leaders responsible for its creation. NetJets, the world’s largest private jet company, was founded at CMH in 1964 as Executive Jet Aviation (EJA) and originally headquartered in Port Columbus Hangar One, located several hundred feet from the original terminal. EJA co-founder, the late Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Tibbets, Jr., will ultimately be among the individuals honored at OAS.

FSI, the world’s premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, will be recognized as the named presenter of two flight simulator stations planned for OAS, with each station featuring a pair of simulators. One station will be available to the public among the first-floor OAS exhibits and displays featuring air and space pioneers from the state of Ohio. The second station will serve the aviation-themed Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (AvSTEAM) youth learning center housed on the second floor of the OAS. As part of its support, FSI will further assist OAS in the selection and operation of the simulators.

The Ohio Air & Space Hall of Fame and Learning Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission of highlighting the state’s men and women pioneers of flight, using their colorful legacies to help develop the skilled workforce and inspire the future innovation essential to keeping Ohio a leader in technology and aerospace.

The phase one goal of the OAS capital campaign is to commence renovation of the terminal in 2022. Upon completion, phase two will follow, raising additional funds to fully complete the project and OAS staffing, operations, and programming needs.

OAS Executive Director Ron Kaplan said, “On behalf of our Board of Trustees and our many donors and partners providing early support to this worthy project, I thank global industry leaders NetJets and FlightSafety International for their robust commitment to our vital mission. We look forward to working closely with them to educate the aviation leaders of the future and ensure Ohio’s dominance in the world of aviation and aerospace.”

“We appreciate the opportunity to invest in the Ohio Air & Space organization and hopefully help inspire the next generation of leaders in aviation—right here in our hometown,” said Adam Johnson, NetJets, Chairman and CEO.

“We are particularly excited about helping OAS with the flight simulators that will be in their AvSTEAM youth learning center,” said Brad Thress, President and CEO of FlightSafety International. With education and continuous learning always top of mind at FSI, we are thrilled to be a part of this exciting endeavor.”

About NetJets Inc.

Originally incorporated in 1964 as Executive Jet Airways, NetJets Inc. has been setting—and exceeding—industry standards for more than 55 years. Today, NetJets Inc. is proud to be a Berkshire Hathaway company known for its unwavering commitment to safety and service. It encompasses NetJets, Executive Jet Management, QS Partners, and QS Security and offers a variety of travel solutions customized to fit each Owner’s needs. This includes fractional aircraft ownership, lease and jet card options, aircraft management, private jet chartering, brokerage and acquisition services, and specialized security services. This is why so many of the world’s most discerning travelers choose NetJets Inc. generation after generation. It is also because NetJets has the largest, most diverse private jet fleet in the world, which grants anytime access to even the most remote destinations across the globe. To learn more about the leader in private aviation, visit netjets.com today.

About FlightSafety International

FlightSafety International is the world’s premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world’s largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom. For more details, please visit flightsafety.com.

For more information visit www.OhioAirandSpace.org.