Distinguished Service Award 

The Distinguished Service Award (DSA) is one of AAAE's highest levels of recognition. Airport professionals receive this award as a reflection of outstanding accomplishments in their professional and personal lives.  Respected leaders of their own communities, these men and women also contribute to other aviation organizations, serve AAAE and its regional chapters, and participate in civic and community affairs.  DSA winners exemplify the best in airport management by continually bringing credit to the profession and the aviation community.  All DSA winners are Accredited Airport Executives (A.A.E.s)  and exemplify the standards accreditation seeks to inspire. 

If you have questions regarding the application or this award, please contact Gwen Basaria.
Past DSA Recipients
(Adobe PDF File)

AWARD

DSA recipients receive a $5,000 honorarium. In addition, AAAE will contribute $2,500 to the Foundation in the recipient’s name.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Current, active A.A.E. status
  • Current, full-time employment as an executive of a public airport
  • At least 25 years serving aviation in an executive capacity
  • At least one year in present job
  • At least 12 years executive voting membership in AAAE as an A.A.E.

NOMINATIONS

You may nominate one colleague, or yourself, for the DSA Award by completing the nomination form online or by downloading an application below and emailing or mailing it in. If you made a nomination or were nominated in the past, you do not need to fill out a new form. All application materials become the property of AAAE, and will be kept on file for consideration in future years.  

DEADLINE

The deadline to submit nominations for the 2023 and 2024 awards is March 1, 2023.

PRESENTATION

DSA winners will be honored throughout the year at AAAE national, regional or local meetings.