George Antoniadis Awarded the Kenn Ricci Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award at Living Legends of Aviation Event

Pioneering PlaneSense^® Founder Recognized for Transformative Impact on Private Aviation

PlaneSense Founder, President and CEO, George Antoniadis, was honored with the distinguished Kenn Ricci Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award at the 23rd Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards. The event, hosted by actor John Travolta, the organization’s Official Ambassador of Aviation, took place on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California.

Antoniadis’ journey began as a young aviation enthusiast in Greece and evolved into a career defined by innovation, leadership, and a commitment to elevating private aviation standards. After earning an engineering degree from ETH in Zurich and an MBA from Harvard University, Antoniadis pursued his passion for aviation by obtaining an ATP pilot’s license. He honed his business and analytical expertise at McKinsey & Company before founding PlaneSense, Inc. in 1995, transforming his personal vision into a world-class aviation program. Under his leadership the Portsmouth, NH–based company has grown into one of the nation’s top fractional ownership programs, redefining private aviation with a specialized fleet, outstanding service, and a competitive value proposition.

George Antoniadis was recognized with the Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award by the Living Legends of Aviation

His contributions to the industry include helping to shape the modern regulatory framework for fractional ownership programs at a time when none existed. Antoniadis and his team assisted in organizing and convening the first Fractional Ownership Aviation Rulemaking Committee, bringing together operating companies, the FAA, manufacturers, and charter operators. Their work ultimately contributed to the creation of the landmark FAR 91K rule, which governs fractional operations today.

His forward-thinking leadership was also evident as PlaneSense expanded its fleet with the Pilatus PC-12, which was relatively unknown in the United States at the time. To ensure safe and effective integration of this aircraft into the national airspace system, he led an initiative to educate air traffic controllers on the PC-12’s capabilities, allowing the aircraft to reach its full operational potential and raising industry awareness.

George Antoniadis accepts his Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award from Kenn Ricci of Flexjet, who nominated him for the honor. Copyright 2026 Living Legends of Aviation / Brett Johnsen.

Through dedication and a focus on service, safety, and value, Antoniadis’ company currently operates the world’s largest fleet of Pilatus PC-12 turboprops and PC-24 jets. Based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, PlaneSense completed more than 47,800 flights in 2025 across the U.S., Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico. PlaneSense has grown to include more than 600 team members, two leading-edge maintenance facilities, and a comprehensive pilot training program.

“We grew methodically, ethically, and thoughtfully, relying on strong relationships across the aviation community and a deep understanding of our clients’ needs,” Antoniadis remarked in his speech before a distinguished audience of celebrities and aviation leaders. “Our success has always come from a commitment to safety and exceptional service.”

Antoniadis attributes the success of the PlaneSense fractional program to the team of more than 600 experts at the company, including the executive team that was in attendance to celebrate the award with him.

Guided by Antoniadis’ unwavering dedication to excellence, PlaneSense has always prioritized quality and safety across the operation, with a focus on comprehensive pilot training and rigorous maintenance standards. Over its 30+ year history, PlaneSense has expanded to include advanced, in-house pilot training programs with cutting-edge technologies and full flight simulators, plus world-class maintenance centers in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Boulder City, Nevada. By bringing these elements in-house, Antoniadis ensures superior oversight and operational excellence. His unique approach upholds the highest standards of safety, reliability, and quality, fuels sustainable growth, and cements PlaneSense as an industry leader.

“I would not have reached this point without the team that surrounds me. I am fortunate to work with an incredibly strong, energetic, and intelligent group that helped grow PlaneSense from a concept into the world class program it is today. I am proud to share this award with them and with all of our colleagues across the United States,” Antoniadis said. “Most importantly, I am deeply grateful to my family for their steadfast support and encouragement during this journey. Their understanding through the many days I am away from home has meant everything to me.”

Antoniadis is also committed to advancing education within the aviation sector, actively shaping the future for aspiring pilots and industry professionals. He is an advisor to the Aero Club of New England and leads the Board of the New England Aeronautical Institute, a New Hampshire-accredited remote learning college dedicated to expanding access to aeronautical education. Additionally, he serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Athens College, an elite K-12 school, where he supports initiatives that foster academic excellence and innovation.

Launching with one Pilatus PC-12 in 1995, PlaneSense now operates the world’s largest fleet of PC-12s. It’s versatility, comfort, and reliability make it a favorite among private flyers, including Antoniadis himself, a licensed ATP pilot, who can often be found behind the controls.

His enduring passion for flight, combined with his global outlook and innovative spirit, continues to inspire the private aviation community and drive progress for future generations. Even today, Antoniadis can often be found in the cockpit, personally piloting one of the company’s Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, demonstrating his hands-on leadership and unwavering love for aviation.