Lew S. Bleiweis, A.A.E., president and CEO of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority (GARAA), was presented recently with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Distinguished Service Award, one of the highest levels of recognition.
The award is presented to airport executives in honor of an exemplary career and contributions to the airport industry. Over the course of a nearly 40-year career in aviation, Bleiweis has built a career defined by thoughtful leadership, steady judgment and a clear vision for the future of airports.
“Over the course of a nearly four-decade career in aviation, Lew has established himself as a respected airport executive, industry leader and dedicated advocate for the airport profession,” said AAAE Chair and Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Vice President, Operations, and Chief Operating Officer Marshall Stevens, A.A.E. “His career reflects a sustained commitment to strengthening airports, advancing the profession and serving the communities that depend on them. This award reflects the respect and admiration of his colleagues across the country for the leadership and service he has demonstrated throughout his career.”
Bleiweis joined the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority in 2008 as Deputy Airport Director and was promoted to lead the organization the following year. Under his leadership, AVL has experienced significant growth, evolving from a non-hub airport to a thriving small hub serving millions of travelers each year. During his tenure, the airport has also strengthened its financial position while undertaking more than $750 million in capital expansion projects designed to prepare AVL to serve the region well into the future.
His leadership and commitment to Western North Carolina were especially evident following Hurricane Helene. While the storm devastated communities and infrastructure throughout the region, AVL remained operational and became a critical gateway for coordinated federal, state and local disaster relief efforts. Bleiweis and the AVL team worked around the clock to maintain airport operations while supporting the unprecedented response and recovery effort.
“This recognition is truly a reflection of the people I have had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career,” said Bleiweis. “I am especially proud of the team at Asheville Regional Airport and what we have accomplished together for Western North Carolina. Airports are about much more than airplanes and infrastructure — they connect and serve communities, and it has been an honor to spend my career contributing to that mission.”
Bleiweis has been an Accredited Airport Executive since 1999 and has served in numerous leadership roles throughout the aviation industry. He has served on the AAAE Board of Directors, contributed to AAAE committees, participated in accreditation panels and served as president of the Southeast Chapter of AAAE in 2007. He also served as Chair of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) in 2020 and 2021 and has held leadership positions with the ACI-NA U.S. Policy Council, ACI World Governing Board and the National Aviation Hall of Fame Board of Nominations.
His industry leadership has previously earned national and regional recognition, including being named the AAAE Southeast Chapter Airport Professional of the Year in 2017 and Airport Experience News Airport Director of the Year in the Small Airports category in 2019.
Bleiweis’ service extends beyond the aviation industry. Locally, he has served with the Buncombe County Economic Development Coalition and Western North Carolina Pilots Association, participates in the local CEO Forum through The Keystone Group and has volunteered with organizations including MANNA FoodBank, United Way and Habitat for Humanity.
This AAAE Distinguished Service Award recognizes a career dedicated not only to strengthening the airport profession and advancing Asheville Regional Airport, but also the communities the airport serves.
