Brian Ryks, Executive Director, Gerald R. Ford International Airport, USA

Speaker Biograghy: Brian D. Ryks, A.A.E., has over 28 years of experience in the aviation industry, and is currently the Executive Director for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, MI. He is responsible for the overall administration, financing, operations, maintenance and development of the international airport. Before arriving in Grand Rapids, he held similar positions as Executive Director of the Duluth (Minnesota) Airport Authority, overseeing the Duluth International Airport and Sky Harbor, a general aviation airport, St. Cloud (Minnesota) Regional Airport and Aberdeen (South Dakota) Regional Airport. Brian has also held positions at Denver International Airport and Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Cloud State University, and is a licensed private pilot with instrument flight certificate. Brian is an Accredited Airport Executive with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).


Day 3 - 12 March
Session:
Customer Service & Passenger Experience


10:35 - 11:05 - Transforming the passenger experience
Synopsis: The presentation provides a brief orientation to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, and details efforts taken to enhance low-cost carrier service, customer service and capital improvement initiatives to reflect regional brands and future investments designed to streamline passenger processing from vehicle kerb to airline gate. The efforts have resulted in the airport achieving a top-five ranking in the Airports Council International Airport Service Quality survey.

Audience will learn: