John White, former NBAA board member and aviation leader, dies

John White, a former National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) board member and longtime corporate flight department leader, passed away on 16 October 2026, according to General Aviation News.

White joined the flight department at Valero Energy Corporation in 2004 as vice president of aviation, serving in that role until his retirement in 2016. Before that, he spent more than 25 years with Union Pacific Resources, starting as a pilot and mechanic and rising to director of aviation.

Throughout his career, White championed general aviation airport protection and operational safety, particularly across Texas. He joined the NBAA Board of Directors in 2010 and helped establish Texans for General Aviation to represent the interests of operators, airports and businesses. He also served on the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee, advising state transportation officials on airport infrastructure.

White was an accomplished aviator who logged more than 17,000 flight hours across all 50 states and five continents. He held an airline transport pilot certificate with nine type ratings, an airframe and powerplant mechanic certificate, and a commercial glider rating.

NBAA Acting Chief Operating Officer Dan Hubbard said that White "combined a remarkable career in the cockpit and flight department leadership with an unwavering commitment to giving back to the industry he loved". Hubbard added that "his leadership and advocacy for our industry helped strengthen our community and ensure its voice was heard".

White's five-decade career in business aviation and general aviation advocacy left a lasting mark on the industry, particularly in Texas. His work championing airport protection, operational safety and the interests of general aviation operators shaped the landscape for generations of aviation professionals. NBAA mourned the loss of a former member of its Board of Directors and a tireless advocate whose distinguished career and community leadership will be remembered across the general aviation sector.