American Association of Airport Executives
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (December 2018) |
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| Founded | September 1928 |
|---|---|
| Type | Professional association |
| Location |
|
Area served | United States of America |
| Members | Nearly 6,500 |
Key people | Todd Hauptli (President & CEO) |
| Website | www.aaae.org |
Founded in 1928, the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) is the world's largest professional organization for airport executives, representing thousands of airport management personnel at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE's members represent nearly 875 airports and authorities, in addition to hundreds of companies and organizations that support airports. AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C. and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities including training, meetings and conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program.[1]
History
The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) was founded in September 1928 when 10 airport directors met at the National Air Races at Mines Field (now Los Angeles International Airport). Air races manager Cliff Henderson, acting on the suggestion of St. Paul, Minnesota's Francis J. Geng, sent letters to airport managers across the country to attend an organizational meeting with the goal of forming a group to represent airport management throughout the U.S.[2]
In 2013, Todd Hauptli was elected as the third full-time leader of the organization. During his tenure, Hauptli has focused on making sure AAAE delivers service, innovation and results for its members, with an expanded array of member benefits, as well as a completely revamped Interactive Employee Training product; the creation of the Airport Innovation Accelerator; and new lines of business to diversify the Association's suite of product offerings and revenue streams. During Hauptli's tenure, the Association's revenues have nearly tripled, and new and expanded member services and benefits have been introduced.
Since its inception in 1928, AAAE has continued to move forward and grow, not only in size but in expertise. As the world's premier association of airport executives, AAAE delivers results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C. and offers a wide range of cost-effective industry services and professional development opportunities for airport executives worldwide.
Jeanne M. Olivier, A.A.E., ACE, Assistant Director, Aviation Security & Technology for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, is AAAE's 2018-19 Chair. The association's membership elected Olivier and other members of the executive committee and board of directors during the 2018 AAAE Annual Conference in San Diego, California.[3]
Professional Development
AAAE maintains the industry standard for knowledge with several accreditations and certifications available to its members, including; Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.); Certified Member (C.M.); Airport Certified Employee (ACE); Airport Security Coordinator Certification; and Airport Rescue Fire Fighter (ARFF).[4]
Becoming an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) is a great way to command respect in the airport industry. Since 1954, AAAE has been committed to the advancement of aviation professionals by granting the A.A.E. designation to those who have demonstrated their ability to handle the responsibilities of airport management. The program is open to Affiliate members of AAAE and IAAE. The Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) is a useful credential when seeking employment within the airport management profession.
Until the early 2000s, the A.A.E. designation process required that the candidate have at least one year of experience in some aspect of civilian airport management at a public-use airport (military aviation experience was excluded) in order to commence the accreditation program. At that time, the three-step accreditation process consisted of a proctored, 180-question, multiple-choice closed book written examination; the research and writing of a postgraduate quality management research paper, regardless of whether or not the candidate held an advanced degree; and a final oral interview of three to four hours duration with a panel of no fewer than three A.A.E.s. In addition, the candidate had to have (1) accumulated no less than three years of cumulative experience in civilian airport management prior to designation as an A.A.E., and (2) completed the accreditation program in three (3) years or less from time of commencement or administrative penalties by AAAE would result.[5]
Today, candidates in the A.A.E. program obtain the designation by completing a streamlined three-step process - (1) a 180-question, multiple-choice examination; (2) a management research paper, case study, proctored essay examination, or proof of an advanced degree; and (3) a final interview with a panel of A.A.E.s. The three year time limit from program start to completion has also been eliminated.
In addition to the revised requirements, the program may be completed in any order, but the final interview must be the final step.[6]
References
- ^ "About AAAE". American Association of Airport Executives. Retrieved 2018-11-26.
- ^ "History". American Association of Airport Executives. Retrieved 2018-11-26.
- ^ "AAAE Elects Leaders for 2018-19 at 90th Annual Conference and Exposition". American Association of Airport Executives. Retrieved 2018-11-26.
- ^ "Accreditation and Certification". American Association of Airport Executives. Retrieved 2018-11-26.
- ^ https://www.aviationpros.com/home/article/12326683/press-on-advice-for-todays-aae
- ^ "Accredited Airport Executive Program - Process". American Association of Airport Executives. Retrieved 2018-11-26.
