The Airport Manager and Public Relations

The Airport Manager is at the nexus of communication between the airport and the community. This includes upper-level airport managers at larger airports. As a leader, the Airport Manager is seen by the community as an authority and a personification of the attitude and position of the airport. The words and demeanor expressed by the airport management will be perceived as an indicator of the airport’s position and will inform the attitudes and responses offered in return. ACRP Report 15 Aircraft Noise: A Toolkit for Managing Community Expectations provides a set of “best practices” for achieving effective communications including “Put Senior Leadership Out Front.”

ACRP Report 15 Aircraft Noise: A Toolkit for Managing Community Expectations also addresses the role of the Airport Manager and the benefit of selecting an Airport Manager with people skills and the ability to communicate a service-oriented attitude. A similar message was expressed during the initial conversation groups held as part of the initial research for this project. Specific examples were provided of airports that experienced a significant improvement in community relations as the result of hiring a new Airport Manager.

ACRP Report 16 Guidebook for Managing Small Airports describes the Airport Manager’s role as a “jack of all trades.” One of the specific roles and functions is “Building Public Goodwill.” On this topic, it says more specifically “Public relations is vital to the success of any small airport. Airport Managers must implement a wide variety of marketing strategies aimed at maintaining a positive perception of the facility and for building community relations.” Also included on the list is “Communication Tools and Strategies.”

An airport is an important part of any community, and it is the role of the Airport Manager to lead the public relations effort and, as part of this effort, to understand the needs of the community and build relationships with the community as a customer and stakeholder in the facility.

Resources

  • ACRP Report 16 Guidebook for Managing Small Airports

    Chapter 5, Public Relations includes information about the Airport Manager’s role in marketing, communications and community relations.

  • ACRP Report 15 Aircraft Noise: A Toolkit for Managing Community Expectations

    Assists airport managers by suggesting tools and techniques that can be used to incorporate “people issues” into the planning process. The toolkit provides a useful reference for anyone in the process of initiating or upgrading a communications program.

  • AOPA Public Relations. The Key to Your Airport's Success.

    This article describes an effective way to create, maintain, and stay involved with an airport support network.

  • The IAP2 Website

    IAP2 is an international association of members who seek to promote and improve the practice of public participation in relation to individuals, governments, institutions, and other entities that affect the public interest in nations throughout the world. The website includes a collection of resources for public participation.

Tools