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Professional Development Grants

The AAAE Professional Development Grant Program empowers members to pursue opportunities for professional growth, expand their networks, and advance their careers, even when financial limitations make attending in-person events challenging. This initiative reflects AAAE’s commitment to fostering excellence and innovation within the aviation industry.
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Apply Now!

Applications are due by Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. To see the full list of eligible events for 2026, click here.
Click here to apply

Program Details

Funded through the success of AAAE’s business operations, the grants are available to:

  • Executive and Affiliate Members – Individual members employed by an airport
  • Corporate Member Staff and Associate Members – Up to five grants will be made available for members of our corporate community.

Our Professional Development Grant Program ensures that dedicated airport professionals can access the resources, connections, and insights needed to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the industry.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Applicants must be Executive, Affiliate, Associate, or Corporate members of AAAE in good standing at both the time of application and the event.
  • Up to five grants will be awarded to Associate members or staff of a corporate member.
  • Applicants must submit the following to be considered:
    • Resume
    • Recommendation letter from a supervisor with authority to approve travel
    • Headshot
    • Completed online application
  • Applicants acknowledge that to accept a grant, they must complete a personal (not employer) W-9 form per IRS rules.
  • Applicants may not have access to a leadership travel reimbursement through AAAE.
  • Applicants who have received an AAAE Professional Development Grant within the past three years are ineligible.
  • One grant for the Annual Conference and one for the NAC will be specifically designated for the AAAE Young Professional Committee members.
Expenses Covered by the Grant
  • Flights to and from the event (basic fare without upgrades or baggage)
  • Hotel lodging during the event
  • Complimentary registration for the event
Recipient Out-of-Pocket Expenses
  • Transportation to and from the airport/hotel
  • Bag fees
  • Meals not included with the event
  • Hotel incidentals (i.e., room service, mini bar, tips, etc.)
  • Enrollment or program fees (e.g., Accreditation/Certification Academies and Review Courses)
Note: Per the IRS, these professional development grant payments in the form of expense reimbursement, complimentary conference registration, and/or direct travel arrangements are taxable to the recipient at face value. As such, AAAE will collect completed W-9 forms from each recipient upon acceptance into the program, prior to travel arrangements being made.

Eligible 2026 Events

Apply Now!

Applications are due by Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. To see the full list of eligible events for 2026, click here.
Click here to apply

Please contact Gwen Basaria at gwen.basaria@aaae.org or 703.797.2540 with questions.

AAAE reserves the right to change or discontinue this program without notice.