L. Welch Pogue Award Dinner
The International Aviation Club of Washington, DC and Aviation Week Network are pleased to announce that the prestigious L. Welch Pogue Award for lifetime achievement in aviation will be presented to Oscar Munoz, retired Executive Chairman and former CEO of United Airlines, on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at the Marriott Marquis (901 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001).
The first L. Welch Pogue Award was presented in 1994 to its namesake, the former chairman of the Civil Aeronautics Board and a U.S. delegate to the Chicago Convention, which created the legal blueprint for post-World War II expansion of commercial aviation.
We will also use the dinner as an opportunity to recognize all frontline aviation employees for their contributions toward keeping the global aviation system functioning despite the incredible challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Schedule of Events
6:00 p.m. -- Reception
6:45 p.m. -- Call to Dinner
7:00 p.m. -- Dinner and Presentations
Thank you to our sponsors:
Oscar Munoz, Retired Executive Chairman and Former CEO of United Airlines
Oscar Munoz served as CEO of United Airlines from 2015 to 2020, before becoming Executive Chairman of the Board, until recently retiring from the role in May 2021.
Oscar took the helm as CEO at a turbulent moment for the airline. His arrival sparked a transformational journey, beginning with restoring United’s relationship with its customers and renewing trust with employees, earning strong support and praise from United’s largest employee unions. He also set forth another key priority, to make United stand out in the way it speaks out on behalf of important values – from leading the industry’s efforts on sustainability, to championing diversity and inclusion, especially at the board level. During Oscar’s tenure, United began achieving industry-leading reliability, as well as sustained financial success.
Previously, Oscar served as president and chief operating officer of CSX Transportation. He also held senior finance positions at AT&T, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo. He is a trustee of the University of Southern California, where he earned his undergraduate degree in business. He also received an MBA from Pepperdine.
As a first-generation college graduate from an immigrant family, Oscar and his wife, Cathy, founded Pave It Forward, a foundation that raises scholarship funds for first-generation students. The first Latino to run a major US airline, Hispanic Business magazine twice named Oscar one of its “100 Most Influential Hispanics.”
Aviation Frontline Workers
Given the challenges of the pandemic, it is fitting that we take this opportunity to recognize the industry’s frontline workers. Airlines and airports remained in operation for almost all of the pandemic, moving cargo even when passengers stayed home.
As the world moves out of the pandemic and both business and leisure travel are returning, travelers everywhere are witnessing the dedication of airline and airport employees.
Aviation frontline workers show up every day to do their jobs, sometimes at personal risk. These are the ticket and gate agents who take your ticket and check your bag, pilots who fly the plane, and flight attendants who provide safety and hospitality on board. And while you don’t always see them, these workers also are baggage handlers, ramp workers, fuel truck operators, mechanics and maintenance staff, cleaning crews, firefighters, security personnel, health and safety personnel, and dozens of other trades, specialists, and professionals whose personal presence is critical to taking passengers and cargo from origin to destination.
Commercial aviation is critical to our transportation system and national economy. The industry’s airlines, airports, and supporting companies rely on frontline workers as the first line of operations and customer service. Our industry and our communities are grateful for their dedication and professionalism.
