Embry-Riddle Celebrates Trustee and Alumnus Steve Varsano as a Living Legend of Aviation

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Board of Trustees member Steve Varsano was officially inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation at a ceremony held Aug. 31, 2024, in Salzburg, Austria. As a Living Legend of Aviation, Varsano joins fellow Embry-Riddle Trustees Jean Rosanvallon and Ken Ricci, along with past Trustee Dr. S. Harry Robertson and many other esteemed Embry-Riddle alumni and friends to the university.

Chairman of Embry-Riddle’s Board of Trustees Mori Hosseini offered his commendation to fellow Trustee Varsano. “Steve has helped raise the profile of the work of Embry-Riddle and the aviation industry across Europe and the world. The Living Legends of Aviation organization is fortunate to welcome such an accomplished aviator and supporter of the industry into its venerated fold.”

Trustee Steve Varsano poses with Embry-Riddle students and friends during a visit to the Daytona Beach Campus. (Photo Courtesy of the David B. O'Maley College of Business)

Trustee Varsano — founder of The Jet Business and an Embry-Riddle alumnus — has positively impacted the aviation industry through his passion and innovative approach to entrepreneurism within the world of aviation. The Jet Business, located in London, is the world's first street-level showroom for corporate jets. Through The Jet Business, Varsano has implemented a business model that has revolutionized the buying and selling process for corporate aircraft.

With a fascination for aviation that began as a child, Varsano self-funded his love of flying throughout his teenage years before earning his pilot's license at age 17. He earned a bachelor’s degree in what was then called Aeronautical Studies at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus, while taking on internship roles as airport manager at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport and with the American Association of Airport Executives in Washington, D.C.

Varsano then joined the General Aviation Manufacturers Association before assuming a position of senior vice president at merchant bank Triangle Industries, where he oversaw real estate, corporate services and the company’s flight department.

In 2011, Trustee Varsano founded The Jet Business, where his state-of-the-art showroom offers clients the opportunity to explore full-scale jet interior simulations and uses advanced technology for aircraft comparisons, setting a new industry standard and making the process more intuitive and accessible for potential customers.

Varsano has become a social media influencer and marketer by sharing thoughts on his business and industry trends while educating the public about the world of private aviation, garnering millions of views on his posts and videos.

A strong proponent of the next generation of aviators and entrepreneurs, Varsano generously invests time and attention to young people who show an interest in the field. His philanthropic efforts focus on aviation and education, providing opportunities for underprivileged youth to pursue careers in aviation.

Embry-Riddle President, P. Barry Butler, Ph.D., also offered his regard for the dedication of Varsano to the industry.

“The Living Legends of Aviation recognizes and celebrates remarkable leaders of extraordinary accomplishment in aviation and aerospace, and I most humbly offer my congratulations to my friend and colleague Steve Varsano for this extraordinary honor,” Butler said.