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ST. CROIX — St. Croix resident William R. Bohlke, third-generation pilot and president of Bohlke International Airways (BIA), was recently honored as part of the National Business Aviation Association’s 2018 Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40, which recognizes young professionals working in business aviation for their career accomplishments and dedication to the industry, according to a release issued Friday. Mr. Bohlke was honored as part of this group at NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (BACE) event in Orlando Oct. 16-18.

“I am grateful and humbled to accept this award on behalf of the entire team at Bohlke International Airways,” Mr. Bohlke, who also serves as the private carrier’s CEO, said. “This recognition is a testament to the will and hard work of every member of our dedicated group.”

Mr. Bohlke’s nomination included notes of his humanitarian efforts in the recovery following Hurricanes Irma and Maria, according to the release. In addition to serving as a commander and C-130 pilot in the Puerto Rico Air National Guard, he has led the growth of the business in recent years, building a 50 plus member team. Bohlke is rated to fly the entire BIA charter fleet, which includes a Gulfstream G100; King Air B200; MU-2 Turbo Props; and Cessna Citation jets. He personally volunteers flight time to the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy, and the Virgin Islands Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Youth Aviation Club.

According to a release issued by NBAA, this year’s inaugural Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 list was selected by the NBAA YoPro Council, a group of business aviation professionals and NBAA staff liaisons working to build relationships between the industry’s emerging leaders. The council reviewed hundreds of nominations submitted from across the world and selected 40 individuals who represent the best of business aviation, including the broad diversity of disciplines within the industry. Bohlke was honored in the airport business category of the awards, the release said.

“At a time when the aviation community is as focused as ever on attracting and keeping tomorrow’s leaders and visionaries, NBAA is honored to have this opportunity to shine a spotlight on these outstanding young people, who are changing our industry in innovative and profound ways,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

Bohlke International Airways is an award-winning fixed base operator (FBO) and charter fleet based on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. They specialize in serving destinations on the United States east coast, northern South America and throughout the Caribbean. The company was established in 1959 by Bill Bohlke, Sr. It is a family-owned business with a third-generation Bohlke pilot at the helm. More information at Bohlke.com or by calling 340-778-9177.

Feature Image: St. Croix resident and Bohlke International Airways (BIA) President and CEO William R. Bohlke was honored last week in Orlando with a National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Top 40 Under 40 award. Pictured (left to right) is NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen presenting the award; father William “Bill” Bohlke in attendance; and honoree William “Billy” Bohlke. In addition to serving as a commander and C-130 pilot in the Puerto Rico Air National Guard, Bohlke has led the growth of BIA in recent years, building a 50 plus member team. His nomination included notes of his humanitarian efforts in the recovery following Hurricanes Irma and Maria.