![]()
Tyler Kleinsasser, a student at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, was selected as the inaugural recipient of the JSSI Aviation Innovation Grant in partnership with the IADA Foundation. Jet Support Services Inc. (JSSI) is a leading independent provider of maintenance support and financial tools for the business aviation industry.The $5,000 grant recognizes outstanding innovation and entrepreneurship among college students pursuing ideas that could inspire the future of business aviation. Launched earlier this year, the program reflects JSSI's and the IADA Foundation's shared commitment to fostering new talent and advancing creative solutions in the aviation industry.Kleinsasser was selected for his concept of a performance analytics platform tailored to smaller aviation businesses such as charter operators, FBOs and MROs. His notion aims to close a critical gap in the industry by providing accessible, aviation-specific business intelligence tools that enhance operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making in enterprises of all sizes."We love Tyler's fresh approach and focus on practical innovation that supports the business aviation community," said Neil Book, Chairman and CEO of JSSI. "This grant was designed to help facilitate innovation in our industry that will make a real difference for operators and ultimately the consumer." "The IADA Foundation is pleased to partner with JSSI in advancing our shared commitment to strengthening the business aviation industry through education, innovation, and professional development," said Suzanne Meiners-Levy, IADA Foundation Chair. "This collaboration supports IADA's ongoing initiatives to cultivate the next generation of skilled professionals who will uphold the integrity and expertise that define IADA's network."Kleinsasser said the grant will help him further develop his business model and connect with mentors who can guide the project's next phase. "This opportunity allows me to take a concept that's been on paper and start turning it into something that can help real aviation businesses," said Kleinsasser. "My goal is to give smaller operators the same kind of performance and financial insights that larger companies already have access to. I'm incredibly grateful to JSSI and the IADA Foundation for believing in that vision."