The Living Legends of Aviation Award & Why Go Rentals Has Earned Center Stage

A Prestigious and Trusted Honor

The Living Legends of Aviation Award is a prestigious and trusted honor recognizing exceptional achievements and contributions in aviation’s diverse and fascinating world. Initially established all the way back in 2003 by respected aviation entrepreneur Jerry Lips, this coveted accolade showcases those who have made lasting impact within the aerospace industry—whether through innovation, leadership, courage, or a relentless dedication to aviation. Often lauded as one of the highest achievements in American aviation culture, it pays homage to aviators, astronauts, inventors, executives, and celebrities who have advanced aviation in truly transformative and meaningful ways.

Oscars of Aviation

The award is rolled out each year at an impressively festive event in Beverly Hills, California, and is frequently referred to as the “Oscars of Aviation.” It brings together an elite gathering of aviation professionals and industry leaders, many of whom are prior award recipients. Past honorees include renowned names such as Buzz Aldrin, Harrison Ford, Burt Rutan, Jeff Bezos, Chuck Yeager, and Bob Hoover. The event is not limited to simply a celebration of individual achievements, but is additionally a testament to the world of aviation’s steadfast commitment to pushing the envelope in terms of what is possible regarding manned flight.

Outstanding Career Achievements

The Living Legends of Aviation recipients are carefully identified by their peers—existing members—developing a unique fellowship of accomplished, longstanding aviation professionals. The exclusive nature of such a specialized group adds to the honor’s importance, with approximately 100 total active members at any given time. Induction into this impressive community marks not just outstanding career achievements but also recognition by the some of the most respected names imbedded within the modern world of aviation.

Future Generations of Aviators and Aerospace Professionals

What makes this award exceedingly more significant is its broader mission. One that is intended to inspire future generations of aviators and aerospace professionals. Through storytelling, mentorship, and public recognition, the Living Legends of Aviation goal is to keep the spirit of innovation alive, with a focus on how human ingenuity and intelligence can overcome obstacles in the air and beyond. Along with honoring notable living individuals, the award is also an excellent way of preserving aviation history, acknowledging how prior achievements continue to shape the future of aviation and aerospace.

An Inspiringly Amazing Field of Endeavor

Featuring categories that range from technological innovation to humanitarian efforts, the award highlights the remarkably vast and evolving nature of human flight. At its very core, the Living Legends of Aviation Award is much more than simply a trophy—it’s a symbol of brilliant excellence, bravery, and an unwavering dedication in what is clearly one of humanity’s most inspiringly amazing fields of endeavor. It forever immortalizes those who have mastered the skies, in effect placing them within reach of the entire world.

Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Kaye Gitibin, co-founder and president of Go Rentals, a rapidly expanding aviation services company, was recently proudly honored with this very award. Kaye, the “hands-on” CEO of Go Rentals, was given the Eren Ozmen Aviation Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the 22nd Living Legends of Aviation event. This high-profile recognition solidifies his transformative impact on both the aviation and luxury travel industries.

Services Custom Tailored to Private Aviation Travelers

First founded in the mid-1990s by Kaye and his brother Kavous, Go Rentals started out as a small and modest venture with a fleet of transportation vans. Today, the organization has become a leading provider of elite premium-brand car rental services that are custom tailored to private aviation and high net worth travelers, with a growing presence in over 250 locations across the United States. The company’s stellar success is due largely in part to its unwavering commitment and dedication to perfectly personalized exclusive services, seamlessly integrating with Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) to offer an industry-first “white glove” elite experience at the airport.

Premium Transportation Services

Gitibin’s recognition underscores his innovative approach to outstanding customer service and his ability to redefine the vehicle rental experience for travelers requiring elite premium transportation services. Through his extraordinary leadership, the company has raised the bar in terms of new standards within the industry, emphasizing consistent service excellence, personalized attention to detail, and a robust understanding of the specialized transportation needs of private and business aviation clients.

A Broader Shift in the Aviation Industry

This well-respected aviation accolade not only honors Gitibin’s innovative entrepreneurial spirit but also shines a light on a broader shift in the aviation industry towards increasingly personalized and customer-centric aviation services. As Go Rentals continues to grow worldwide, including recently announced plans for expansion throughout Canada and Europe, the company’s successful model serves as a clear example to others in the aviation industry.

A Note on the Growth of Business Aviation

Business aviation has witnessed significant steady growth milestones over the past two decades, powered mainly by an increased need for flexibility, efficiency, and privacy in air transportation. Before the untimely COVID pandemic, the sector was already on an upward growth trajectory, with a steady rise in delivery demand for business class jets. The expanding private flight frequency among corporations, high-net-worth individuals, and government entities has been the main driving force in this regard.

Business Aviation Reached Record Levels

The pandemic further accelerated orders on the books for business jets dramatically, as commercial airline disruptions and cancellations, as well as health concerns, prompted a surge in first-time private aviation customers. During the 2021 and 2022 timeframe, flight activity in business aviation reached record levels, with demand frequently outpacing supply in terms of aircraft availability, flight crew staffing, and maintenance crews and resources.

Technological Advancements in Aviation

Based upon publicly available industry data, the global business jet fleet grew from about 20,000 in 2010 to well over 23,000 by 2023. The United States aviation market remains the largest in the world. However, growth is now increasingly driven by emerging regions, particularly in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East. Technological advancements in aviation—including improved digital avionics, fuel efficiency, and quieter engines—have all contributed to business aviation becoming more appealing, sustainable, and affordable.

Impressive Metrics

Looking ahead, the projections for business aviation growth remain strong. Analytical forecasts by industry leaders such as Honeywell and Bombardier report continued expansion, with likely deliveries exceeding 8,500 new business jets throughout the next decade. Factors triggering these impressive metrics include changing global trade rules, a sustained move toward remote work and AI-powered systems, and the general appeal of fractional jet ownership models and on-demand flight services.

Environmentally Friendly Aviation Fuel

In addition, sustainability is expected to maintain a pivotal role in shaping aviation’s future. For example, aircraft operators and manufacturers are investing substantially into environmentally friendly aviation fuel, electric propulsion systems, and next-generation aircraft designed to reduce overall planetary impact. The drive for net-zero emissions by 2050—supported by international aviation organizations—will spur innovation and certainly realign how business aviation functions.

Global Mobility and Convenience

In short, business aviation has evolved over the years from a simple corporate perk to a powerful tool for global mobility and convenience. The anticipated growth mentioned here signals a maturing and very innovative sector, increasingly motivated by accessibility, sustainability, and technological advancement. As travel demands change and infrastructure expands worldwide, business aviation, along with companies like Go Rentals, is poised perfectly to become an ever-growing and integral element of the modern worldwide transportation ecosystem.

Contact Go Rentals today to learn more!