News Release

STAjets founder Kurt Belcher nominated for EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017

The Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards recognizes those who see past the present to define the future. STAjets' owner Kurt Belcher has been selected as a 2017 nominee and semi-finalist for this prestigious honor. The Entrepreneur Of The Year program, now in its 31st year, seeks those leaders who shape today's ideas into tomorrow's exceptional companies. Finalists and winners to be announced between now and June 2017.

As the president and owner of STAjets, Kurt Belcher is the visionary behind the brand which is recognized as one of the nation's premier private air charter companies. An Orange County native, Kurt grew up in a home that overlooked John Wayne Airport, which at the time consisted of one building with a fence that airlines pulled up to. While he watched the planes fly in and out, through the curious eyes of a child, little did he know that the future of John Wayne Airport would include him and his destined brand which has become the fastest growing and largest privately owned aviation company the airport has ever seen.

Looking to engage further and give back to the devoted STAjets clientele, Kurt was the architect behind the company's signature membership program, which is the only charter membership program available of its kind that offers five pre cent instant cash back for each flight booked through the program.

In 2013, Kurt Belcher was recognized for his contributions in business and the community in OC Metro's "40 Under 40" honorees, placing him alongside other notable, young, high achievers in business, non-profit, government and education. Also, in September 2013, he received a special congressional recognition for Outstanding Business Leadership from US. Congressman John Campbell. A certificate of recognition was presented to Kurt in a ceremony at the congressman's office in Irvine.