Gallery: Highlights From The 68th Laureate Awards
October 02, 2026
Aviation Week’s 68th Laureate Awards, held on March 19 at the iconic National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., celebrated excellence and innovation across the aerospace and aviation industries.
The event honored 29 individuals, companies and programs spanning five key sectors: commercial aviation, defense, space, business aviation and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). Additionally, Lifetime Achievement Awards and the prestigious Pathfinder Award were presented to recognize exceptional leadership and contributions to the industry.
Our editors also unveiled the five Grand Laureate winners, representing the pinnacle of achievement in each sector. Beyond these honors, the evening spotlighted the leaders of tomorrow—two dozen university students and military cadets who are pursuing careers in aerospace and aviation.
Take a look back at the memorable moments from the 2026 Laureate Awards through these photos.
- Be part of the tradition. Nominations are now open for Aviation Week's 69th annual Laureate Awards, taking place in March 2027. We're seeking the aerospace and aviation industry's most innovative individuals, companies and programs that are shaping the future of flight. Whether it's groundbreaking technology, exceptional leadership or transformative contributions across commercial aviation, defense, space, business aviation or MRO—now is the time to recognize excellence.
- Submit your nominations at https://laureates.aviationweek.com/nominate/ by Oct. 16, 2026 and help us celebrate the next generation of industry pioneers.
- For more information on attending or sponsorships, please contact:
Rob Howlett: [email protected] - For general event information, please contact:
Allison Gold: [email protected]
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