AAAE is the largest professional organization for airport executives in the world, representing thousands of airport management personnel at public use airports nationwide. The American Association of Airport Executives' primary goal is to assist airport executives in fulfilling their responsibilities to the airports and communities they serve.
AAAE membership is truly representative of airport management throughout the country. It places equal emphasis on large and small airport concerns, reflecting a membership comprised of executives from large and medium size airports, as well as hundreds of managers from smaller airports used exclusively by general aviation or commuter airlines.

AAAE was founded in 1928 to represent airport management throughout the United States. Each year since its founding, AAAE has held an annual meeting to bring airport managers together to discuss the latest problems and issues facing the industry. In 1954, the annual conference expanded to include exhibitors of airport services, products and equipment.

The most important event for AAAE, however, was the formal adoption of a professional standards accreditation program in 1954. Since that time, no one has been awarded Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) status without meeting the requirements established by the Board of Directors.

Since 1954, AAAE has sponsored a professional accreditation program for airport executives, who are affiliate members of AAAE. The professional membership requirements consist of an original management paper on some phase of airport management, a comprehensive written test and an oral examination on a level comparable to other professional certifications. Upon successful completion of these requirements, the Accredited Airport Executive is admitted to the membership as an executive member and may use the initials A.A.E. after his/her name.

AAAE has members at primary air carrier airports, which enplane 99% of the airline passengers across the nation, as well as at many of the smaller commercial service, reliever and general aviation airports.

Since its inception in 1928, AAAE has continued to move forward and grow, not only in size but in expertise. As the premier association of airport executives in the world, AAAE has a voice that is heard in the industry and in government-and that means strength for you, the professional airport executive.

We encourage you to join today. If you career goals pertain to working at or with an airport, this is a lifetime organization which will help you from obtaining your first job all the way through retirement. For more information about becoming a student member please click here or speak to one of our staff members or to our advisor Dr. Sobotta (AC1 Third Floor).