WICHITA, KAN.– The Wichita Aero Club (WAC) announced that Brian Barents, a distinguished leader in business aviation and aerospace, is 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,” said Ashley Bowen Cook, WAC Trophy Committee Chair and Greteman Group President. “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.”
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.
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.
Prior WAC Trophy Recipients include the following:
- 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, CEO, Spirit AeroSystems
- 2010: Velma Wallace
The Wichita Aero Club was established in 2008 to foster and promote interest in aviation, to provide a forum that focuses on the industry’s issues and achievements, and to bring together those with a passion for flight in an environment that expands and enhances professional relationships and furthers cooperation and understanding. Learn more at wichitaaero.club.