Dec. 5, 2016
Edmund “Ed” Nelle, Jr., a prominent leader in the FBO business, died Nov. 20. The former head of Butler Aviation, the first major FBO chain, will be interred at the Western North Carolina Veteran’s Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC on Dec. 19. He was 91.
Nelle began his aviation career as a U.S. Army Air Forces cadet, graduating in early 1945, then flew P-47 Thunderbolts until the war’s end. After the war, he flew for several Part 121 operators before joining The Port Authority of NY and NJ, and then Butler Aviation, rising through the ranks to eventually become president and CEO, a post he held for approximately 20 years.
Under his leadership, Butler grew to be the largest FBO chain at the time, and was the key acquisition in the formation of today’s Signature Flight Support.
He was active for many years with NBAA, as well as with the National Air Transportation Association, Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey, New York City’s Wings Club and the Western North Carolina Air Museum.
He is survived by his wife Henrietta; sons Peter, Kenneth and Kurt; his daughter Leslie Urinyl; eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.