The National Aviation Hall of Fame Welcomes Basil Papayoti

DAYTON, Ohio – August 15, 2025— The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) is proud to announce theappointment of Basil Papayoti to its Board of Trustees.

Basil Papayoti brings extensive leadership experience in aviation maintenance, engineering, and technical operations to the NAHF Board of Trustees. Currently serving as Vice President of Delta TechOps Commercial, Delta’s MRO business with a strategic focus on sustained growth for one of the largest and most complex airline maintenance organizations in the world. His deep expertise in aircraft maintenance, innovation in airline operations, and commitment to safety excellence
will greatly strengthen NAHF’s mission to honor aviation’s greatest contributors and inspire future generations.

Papayoti’s extensive career includes significant roles at MRO Holdings, GA Telesis Engine Services (GATES), SkyView Consulting Partners, and Air Canada Technical Services (ACTS). He holds a B.S.E. in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M
University and an M.S.E. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan.

“We are honored to welcome Basil to our Board of Trustees,” said Douglas Schwartz, Board Chair. “His distinguished career and dedication to advancing aviation excellence align perfectly with our mission to celebrate the pioneers and industry legends.” Papayoti expressed his enthusiasm for joining the NAHF Board of Trustees, stating, “It is a privilege to join the National Aviation Hall of Fame in recognizing those who have made extraordinary contributions to aviation. I look forward to helping preserve this legacy while supporting efforts to inspire future leaders in this dynamic industry.”

About the National Aviation Hall of Fame

The National Aviation Hall of Fame, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, is the only Congressionally chartered aviation hall of fame in the United States. Based in Dayton, Ohio, the NAHF’s Heritage Hall & Education Center is committed to informing the public about American aviation heroes, their accomplishments, and their impact on advances in aviation from early flight to space travel. The NAHF strives to create a distinctive educational resource that will inspire future generations to appreciate our nation’s extraordinary aviation heritage through the men and women who created it.