Aviation entrepreneur, veteran naval aviator, and record-setting pilot Douglas G. “Doug” Matthews will be inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame on November 21, 2026. Hosted by the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose achievements have shaped aviation and space exploration. Matthews will join more than 200 honorees, including Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Neil Armstrong, and fellow naval aviators and astronauts Wally Schirra, Bill Anders, Jim Lovell, and Alan Shepard.
With 28,000 flight hours, Matthews has built a career spanning military aviation, commercial aircraft leasing, contract air services, and record-setting flights. A decorated Vietnam veteran, he served as a U.S. Navy F-4 Phantom instructor before pursuing business ventures that helped expand the role of civilian contractors in military aviation. Matthews founded Flight International, which pioneered contract air services and established an early contractor-operated adversary aircraft program for the U.S. Navy. That work helped lay the foundation for today’s multibillion-dollar industry providing contracted adversary support to military aircrews. He also founded an airliner leasing company that grew to more than $1 billion in assets.
(Image credit: Doug Matthews)
According to the induction announcement, Matthews has set more than 100 U.S. and world aviation records, including an altitude record for propeller-driven aircraft. His previous honors include induction into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame and receipt of the Brewer Trophy. Alongside his flying and business accomplishments, the announcement recognizes his contributions to aviation through philanthropy.
For information about the induction, contact David Neville at [email protected] or (619) 234-8291, extension 140. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Michelle Wiseman at [email protected] or extension 109 at the same number.
