AMAC Connections Newsletter: November 2021

The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) issued the following statement on the passing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law:

“This historic and highly-anticipated investment into our nation’s infrastructure, particularly airports, marks a monumental opportunity to fuel AMAC’s mission of advancing the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries. AMAC is diligently working on behalf of our diverse membership through our advocacy efforts, critical programming and vast networking opportunities to position our members to receive equity throughout this transformation of America’s infrastructure that is to come from this generational investment,” said Eboni Wimbush, President & CEO, AMAC.

Aviation History Month celebrates all the contributions the U.S. has made to the field of aviation and its development. Yes, it is safe to say the U.S. played a pivotal role in the field. Hence, this month is all about reading up on the history of aviation, or simply watching documentaries that shed light on the brilliant individuals who dedicated their lives to advancing the aviation industry.

Nancy West and Curtis Taylor to Speak at the Next AMAC Legends & Leapers Virtual Conversation

Join us today from 2:00 pm–3:00 pm Eastern Time for AMAC Legends & Leapers and hear from Aviation Legend: Nancy West. Chair, AMAC PAC Board of Directors / Founder & Managing Member, Exstare Federal Services Group, LLC; and Aviation Leaper: Curtis Taylor, Air Service Development, Indianapolis Airport Authority. Mori Russell, Southeast Regional Director, AMAC Board of Directors / Vice Chair, AMAC Emerging Leaders Committee / Business Development Manager, Concessions International and Ricky Smith, Chair, AMAC Board of Directors / CEO, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) will moderate the discussion.

The AMAC Internship Program's mission is to provide access to internships within the aviation industry. We achieve this mission by offering the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. After determining an intern’s interest areas, the intern will engage in a rotation focused on exposure to various aviation industry jobs related to their interests. AMAC Internship applications are due January 7, 2022.

The AMAC Fellowship Program's mission is to establish a network of experienced professionals and train the next generation of executives and senior managers in the aviation industry. We offer opportunities to shadow and learn from an Executive-level professional through the AMAC Airport Leadership Collective (AMAC ALC) to achieve this mission. AMAC Fellowship applications are due February 1, 2022.

The AMAC Economic Opportunity and Policy Forum will be held March 21–22, 2022 in Washington, DC. Sign up for the latest forum news on the event website and be the first to know of all the latest updates!

In partnership with the Chicago Department of Aviation, we will present the 37th Annual AMAC Airport Business Diversity Conference: Redefining Aviation Opportunities Together from June 20–23, 2022 in Chicago, IL. Please watch our preview video to learn more about next year's theme and stay tuned for additional details!

The Toledo Blade recently featured an article on Shannetta Griffin, P.E., a longtime AMAC member and most recently the AMAC Conference Planning Committee Chair and an AMAC Board of Directors At-Large Director, to discuss her notable appointment as the Associate Administrator for the Office of Airports at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

"She's a lioness in this industry," said Eboni Wimbush, President & CEO, AMAC, a trade association that works to grow the participation of women and minorities in the airport sector. "She more than deserves this opportunity, and she will be looked at as someone to model a career after."

Ms. Wimbush said the airport industry has long struggled with diversity, but the coming influx of infrastructure spending—which will require a substantial amount of hiring—should help, especially with requirements in the legislation that requires minority and women-owned business participation in contracts. "This is a generational opportunity," Ms. Wimbush said. "We won't see this type of investment in infrastructure for many years to come."

ATL Airport Releases Five New Real Estate Properties for Bid

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) announced the release of five new Request for Proposals (RFPs.) ATL is seeking developers and investors interested in real estate opportunities located outside the airport’s secure area. The potential scope of development for the properties includes industrial space adjacent to the ATL airfield with in-place zoning, aviation-related office space and possible mix-use food, retail and entertainment lifestyle destination. More information on the RFPs is available. In adherence to the City of Atlanta rules, the airport staff cannot discuss the solicitation once advertised. Please note that all contact must be sent via email to Jessica Boston, Department of Procurement, Procurement Officer, at [email protected].

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) created a new Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact to further the organization’s long history of focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, environmental and social impact in the communities it serves. Tanisha Lewis, a 21-year veteran of the authority, will lead this new office as its Vice President.

Currently, more than 80% of concessions are open in the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport terminal and those that are open have expanded hours of operation to meet traveler demand.

“We are working closely with concessionaires to ensure they can scale up hours of operation and availability of shops and restaurants in the terminal to meet passenger demand while sustaining successful operations. We want to make sure that travelers have a great experience during their time at MSY,” said Kevin Dolliole, Louis Armstrong, Director of Aviation, New Orleans International Airport.

Congratulations to Brad Mims, long-standing AMAC member and FAA Deputy Administrator, on receiving the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Distinguished Service Award—a well-deserved honor! We applaud Brad's 40 plus years of active service in creating opportunities for minorities in the transportation industry.

Delaware State University’s Aviation Program recently hosted the first-ever Historically Black Colleges and Universities Aviation Directors’ Summit to discuss their challenges and share ideas for their flight training and aviation management programs.

Despite numbers still being a bit lower than they were before the pandemic, demand is rebounding, especially regarding air travel. There has been significant momentum around international and domestic flight searches when compared to 2020, up 155% and 212%.

The Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Program (AMJP) is helping protect nearly 30,000 American manufacturing jobs. Final applications are due Monday, December 13, 2021.