VAI now accepting nominations for 2026–29 Board of Directors Four director positions are open for the term Jul. 1, 2026, to Jun. 30, 2029. Vertical Aviation International (VAI) is seeking nominations for four open positions on the VAI Board of Directors for the term Jul. 1, 2026, through Jun. 30, 2029. Seat distribution: • One open seat in the Vertical Aircraft Operator Member, Commercial/Private—Small membership category subclassification • Two open seats in the Vertical Aircraft Operator Member, Commercial/Private—Large membership category subclassification • One open seat in the Vertical Aircraft Operator Member, Government Service membership category subclassification. The VAI Elections Committee is seeking to add industry professionals to the Board of Directors to help craft our strategy into the future. We are seeking thought leaders from across the industry. Vertical Aircraft Operator Members who have been members in good standing for at least two consecutive years may nominate a representative for board service. The VAI Bylaws define vertical aircraft operator member organizations as follows: • Vertical Aircraft Operator Member—Commercial/Private: Any operator of vertical-capable aircraft principally for commercial- or private-use purposes but not including government entities • Vertical Aircraft Operator Member—Government Service: Any federal, state, or municipal governmental agency or governmental entity operating vertical-capable aircraft. Only a principal owner, officer or executive, full-time employee, or long-term contractor of a Vertical Aircraft Operator Member in good standing, and whose employment or engagement is their principal occupation and whose relationship with the Vertical Aircraft Operator Member is ongoing and substantive for at least one full year prior to nomination, shall be eligible to serve as a director. Nominees will be reviewed and vetted in accordance with our governance and bylaws. Only candidates meeting the qualifications we are seeking will appear on the ballot once approved by the Elections Committee. The Commercial/Private membership category is divided into three subclassifications—small, medium, and large—based on number of aircraft in operation: • Small operators are defined as those organizations operating one or two vertical aviation aircraft • Medium operators are defined as those organizations operating three to six vertical aviation aircraft • Large operators are defined as those organizations operating seven or more vertical aviation aircraft. Note: The number of aircraft applies to the organization that is a member of VAI representing the ownership, lessor, and/or certificate operator of the aircraft. Required candidate experience and criteria to be considered by the Elections Committee: • Significant level of verifiable managerial experience • Previous experience serving on a nonprofit, private-, or public-company board and/or prior trade association board experience • Experience as a member of a VAI committee, working group, or industry advisory council • Skilled in long-range strategy, planning, and growth initiatives • Fiduciary proficiency • A value contribution focus. Nominations must be submitted by 5:00 pm eastern time (UTC-5) on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Sarah Arnold at 703-302-8449 or SarahA@verticalavi.org.
