Delta CEO Ed Bastian receives the Tony Jannus Award for contributions to the commercial aviation industry

On the heels of Delta CEO Ed Bastian making TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025 list, Bastian has been named the 2025 Tony Jannus Award recipient by the Tony Jannus Distinguished Aviation Society.  

The Tony Jannus Distinguished Aviation Society is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that focuses on perpetuating the legacy of the world’s first commercial airline flight, piloted by Tony Jannus on Jan. 1, 1914, as well as providing support for high school students across Florida who are interested in aviation careers. 

Often regarded as one of the industry’s highest accolades, this award is given annually to individuals who have made major and lasting contributions to the commercial aviation industry, with past honorees including elite aviation pioneers, aeronautical engineers, industry CEOs and government leaders. It also celebrates the Tampa Bay region’s history as the birthplace of commercial aviation, so it’s fitting that the award will be presented to Bastian at a gala celebration in Tampa later this year.   

“On behalf of Delta’s more than 100,000 global professionals, I’m honored to accept the 2025 Tony Jannus Award,” Bastian said. “It’s especially fitting to receive this award the same year Delta is celebrating our 100^th anniversary – we started flying barely a decade after Tony Jannus made his historic first flight across Tampa Bay. For a century, Delta has built on that legacy with a people-first, customer-focused culture and spirit of innovation. I want to thank the Tony Jannus Society not only for this recognition, but for their mission to raise funds to support aviation careers for students across Florida.”