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AAAE

...on airport industry news and education designed to enhance your career. 

AAAE Relief Foundation

The AAAE Relief Foundation has stepped up to provide crucial support to airport employees impacted by natural disasters. These efforts remind us of the strength we have when we work together to support our own. But the work doesn’t stop there—your contributions help us create a lasting safety net, ensuring we’re ready to support our airport family in the face of future challenges. 

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2025 Annual Conf - Atlanta (4)
97th Annual AAAE Conference & Exposition

Join us in Atlanta, Georgia, June 8-10, 2025, for an immersive experience that promises unmatched education, innovative solutions, and meaningful connections—propelling your airport's journey "From Here to Anywhere."

10,899 Members
8,547 Airport Members
97% Domestic Airports
506 A.A.E.s
949 Airports

Certification Programs

We strive to enhance the continued learning experience for airport leadership and personnel. Our certification programs are designed to set the standard for industry knowledge and training. Each program is designed to meet the needs and objectives of airports, including governmental requirements and promoting the advancement of the individual.

Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.)

Earn the highest professional mark in aviation, gain career advancement, deepen your understanding of airport operations, expand leadership opportunities, and qualify for accolades with the AAAE Accreditation Program.

Certified Member Program (C.M.)

This designation signifies that you have a diverse knowledge of the primary functions of how an airport operates and can provide the opportunity to progress up the ranks in a close knit community. The program is open to Affiliate, Associate, Participating, Corporate, Military and Academic Graduate members of AAAE. 

Airport Certified Employee (ACE)

Specialized certifications in:

  • Airfield Lighting Maintenance
  • Airfield Operations
  • Airport Finance
  • Airport Security
  • Communications Center Operations
  • Law Enforcement (LEO)
  • Safety Management Systems (SMS)
  • Trusted Agent
  • Planning & Environmental.
Airport Rescue Firefighter (A.M.F. & A.F.O.)

These designation programs are self-study programs structured to provide ARFF personnel with an enhanced knowledge of ARFF operations as well as airport operations and administration.

Airport Security Coordinator (A.S.C.)

An ASC will learn the latest information available from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in addition to tools that can make an airport function safely and efficiently

International Aerodrome Certified Employee (IACE) The IACE designation offers aerodrome professionals advanced education, career advancement, international recognition, expert-led training, and a complimentary IAAE membership for those outside North America.

App-Based Transportation Clearinghouse

ABT is a comprehensive solution that provides airports with real-time access to TNC activity happening on airport property, facilitating curbside compliance, data analytics, and accounting reconciliation.

Why ABT?

By Airports, For Airports: This solution is available to all airports through AAAE.
Comprehensive Service: Provides real-time data tracking, invoicing, trip and fee reconciliation.
Tailored and Standardized: Combines geofence tracking, customizable reports, and compliance tools to meet local airport requirements.
Creates Strength in Numbers: Brings our airport members together to provide updates on the program.
Future-Proof Path Forward: Members will actively participate in future development efforts to ensure the unified standards remain responsive to changes in TNC operational trends and developments.
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Regulatory Alert
Regulatory Alert: President Trump Takes Series of Executive Actions on Day One
Yesterday evening, President Trump took a series of executive actions on his first day in office.
01/21/2025
Airport Alert
Airport Alert: TSA Administrator Pekoske Ousted
According to several press reports, President Trump asked TSA Administrator David Pekoske to leave his position.
01/20/2025
Airport Alert
Hearing Report: Nomination Hearing Held for Secretary of Homeland Security Nominee Kristi Noem
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to serve as the Secretary of DHS, received a cordial bipartisan welcome from lawmakers during her nomination hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee.
01/17/2025
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AAAE-Blank Slate Partnership

We have teamed up with Blank Slate Technologies to bring you a cutting-edge app to streamline your C.M., ACE Security, and ACE Operations exam prep! The app leverages cognitive science and machine learning to prevent knowledge gaps by continuously assessing, reinforcing, and predicting the user’s knowledge level.

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Melinda Montgomery, A.A.E, MBA, IACE Airport ManagerTrenton-Mercer Airport

“There is SO much that AAAE provides/makes available to our industry. I always say, ‘AAAE provides me with the opportunity to show my competencies through tangible means’. Without the certification programs and achievements available through AAAE, those that really want to stand out – wouldn’t be able to. Thank you so much for all that the AAAE staff does for our industry."

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Nick Ryan, PMPChief Development OfficerArora Engineers

"Personally, I attribute a lot of my growth in this industry to my early and often engagement with the association. The events, the networking opportunities, and the programs all have been able to put us in a place of direct access to airport leaders and partners and allowed us to share our thought leadership and expertise."

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James WalshProject Administrator, Maintenance ContractsSouthwest Florida International Airport

"The professional development grant from AAAE was quite beneficial to me...The workshop '123, A.A.E.' has helped to renew my interest in pursuing my accreditation. I can't thank AAAE enough for the opportunity to attend the Annual Conference and will look forward to attending future conferences through my organization."

Thank You to Our Prime Partners