Wichita Aero Club Trophy Gala Honors Brian Barents for a Lifetime of Aviation Leadership

Shown above, Ashley Bowen Cook, Owner & CEO at Alpha Charlie Marketing and Wichita Aero Club Trophy Honoree Brian Barents

The Wichita Aero Club Trophy Gala is more than an evening of recognition, it is a celebration of the people who have shaped aviation and, in doing so, helped define Wichita as the Air Capital of the World. For more than 10 years, I’ve had the honor of leading the Trophy Selection Committee for the Wichita Aero Club Trophy. This year, the Wichita Aero Club was proud to honor Brian Barents with the Wichita Aero Club Trophy for his extraordinary career and enduring impact on both military and civilian aviation.

A Night That Celebrates Aviation and Community

The evening brought together more than 250 leaders and supporters of aviation, continuing a tradition that began in 2010. Since awarding its first Aero Club Trophy, the Wichita Aero Club has distributed more than $100,000 in scholarships and grants supporting aviation and STEAM education—from elementary programs to adult learning initiatives. The Wichita Aero Club Trophy recognizes individuals whose careers embody leadership, service and a lasting commitment to aviation. Brian Barents exemplifies those values, and his influence will continue to be felt in Wichita and far beyond.

From Military Service to Industry Transformation

A retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General, Barents logged more than 6,700 flight hours during 34 years of military service. Known by the call sign “Godfather,” his military career set the foundation for a remarkable transition into aviation industry leadership.

Barents’ Wichita story began in 1975 at Cessna, where he rose through sales and marketing leadership for the Citation product line. After a brief sabbatical in California helping launch the Lexus brand at Toyota, he returned to Wichita to join Learjet in 1989 at a moment when the company faced significant challenges.

A Legacy That Helped Shape the Air Capital of the World

Barents led Learjet out of bankruptcy, revitalized its product line with aircraft such as the Learjet 45 and Learjet 60, and repositioned the company for long-term success before overseeing its sale to Bombardier. During his tenure, employment grew from fewer than 300 employees to more than 4,000, and the company achieved the most profitable period in its history.

His leadership continued across the aerospace sector, serving as president and CEO of Galaxy Aerospace, later sold to Gulfstream Aerospace, and as CEO of Aerion Corporation, where he helped guide the vision of a new era of supersonic flight. Barents has served on numerous industry boards, including GAMA, NORDAM, CAE, Hawker Beechcraft, Eclipse Aviation, Kaman Aerospace and currently JetZero, shaping strategy, innovation and growth across the industry.

In accepting the Wichita Aero Club Trophy, Barents reflected on the Learjet turnaround as the defining achievement of his career and offered heartfelt thanks to his wife, Barbara, recognizing her role as “the mom, dad, coach and more” while he spent countless hours on the road advancing aviation.

As the Wichita Aero Club continues its mission of supporting aviation education and leadership, the example set by Brian Barents serves as both a benchmark and an inspiration. His career reflects the spirit of innovation, service and resilience that will carry Wichita’s aviation community forward for generations to come.