Aviation Day in Ukraine is observed on the last Saturday in August, celebrating the contributions of individuals employed in civil aviation. Established by presidential decree in 1993, this holiday is rooted in the Soviet Union's Air Fleet Day, which commemorated the formation of the first aviation unit of the Russian Empire in 1912. Initially focused on civil aviation workers, the holiday evolved in 1996 to also honor military aviation, although it later reverted to its original focus on civilian aviators after the establishment of Air Force Day by President Viktor Yushchenko. This professional holiday recognizes the efforts of those in the aviation and transport industries in Ukraine.