Born in Houston, Texas, Daniel Baker founded FlightAware in 2005 as a side project for the then 22-year-old. An avid pilot, Baker searched for an easy solution to sharing flight information with friends and loved ones. His keen sense of the evolving Internet and e-commerce, combined with his passion for flying resulted in a successful startup as a free flight tracking service for private, commercial and military air traffic. FlightAware quickly became the global leader in aviation data services and changed the aviation industry for the better providing critical flight data solutions to airlines and private aircraft operators around the globe, as well as flight tracking to millions of travelers. Baker served as FlightAware CEO from its inception until 2021 when it was sold to Collins Aerospace where he now serves as a strategic advisor. Baker, a published author and speaker at aviation and technology conferences, has served on several distinguished boards including the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum, the Aspen Airport Flight Operations Safety Task Force and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s Safety and Accident Investigation committee. Baker continues to hold FAA Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor certificates.

“Even the most modern innovation will soon become legacy. The key to continued innovation is not being afraid to build anew but with the knowledge gained along the way.” – Daniel Baker