Minnesota

MSP Tops U.S. Airport in Travel and Hospitality Survey

Kim Stevens

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) was named the No. 1 U.S. airport in the 2024 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, which were announced July 9.

​The World’s Best Awards are based on hundreds of thousands of surveys from Travel + Leisure readers ranking airports, hotels, resorts and other sectors that define standards of excellence in travel and hospitality. MSP’s ranking jumped to the top spot from fourth place in last year’s World’s Best Awards survey.

Airports were rated in multiple categories, including access, check-in and security, restaurants and bars, shopping, and design.

“The best accolades are those that come directly from customers and travelers, so it’s an honor for MSP to be recognized by Travel + Leisure readers for industry excellence,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which owns and operates MSP. “Our many partners across the airport community are focused on delivering best-in-class service, creating accessible facilities, offering a refreshing mix of shops and restaurants, and — most of all — providing exceptional airport experiences for our travelers.”

MSP served nearly 35 million passengers in 2023 and is the second largest hub for Delta Air Lines, as well as the hometown base for Sun Country Airlines. Travel + Leisure wrote that MSP manages the flow of passengers well.

“This is, by far, my favorite airport in the country. It’s easy to figure out, easy to get around, and there are a lot of interesting shops and decent restaurants,” wrote one Travel + Leisure voter.

The 2024 World’s Best Awards are featured in the August 2024 issue of Travel + Leisure.

MSP is the 19th busiest commercial airport in North America. Earlier this year, MSP won top global and large airport awards in Cirium’s 2023 On-Time Performance Review. Airports Council International (ACI) also named MSP as the best airport in North America in 2023 through its global passenger survey program, in the 25-40 million passenger category. That recognition marked the third straight year — and seventh out of the last eight years — that MSP received the Airport Service Quality program title.

MAC Selects Curt Rebelein as New Chief Information Security Officer

Kim Stevens

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has selected Curt Rebelein as the organization’s new chief information security officer. In his new role, Rebelein will direct work related to security of the MAC’s information networks, data privacy issues and regulatory compliance.

Chief Information Security Officer Curt Rebelein. Courtesy of Metropolitan Airports Commission.

Rebelein brings nearly three decades of experience in information technology, with a primary focus on security. Most recently he was the chief information security officer for Minneapolis-based Provation Medical. At Provation, he expanded and diversified the company’s security and compliance program and helped the company transition to a publicly traded organization. Prior to that role, he worked in a variety of positions helping to establish security standards for companies including UnitedHealth Group, Target, Medtronic and CenturyLink.

“Safe and secure data resources are essential for day-to-day operations and our ongoing efforts to enhance airport experiences for travelers and other stakeholders,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission. “Curt Rebelein brings deep and varied experience to our team, and he will be a great resource for us to ensure that our data is effectively managed and protected.”

Rebelein holds numerous professional certifications related to information systems, cloud security, information systems auditing, and risk and information systems control. At the University of Minnesota-Duluth, he studied computer science, mathematics and physics. Rebelein is currently pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity and information assurance.

“Ensuring robust cybersecurity is essential for safeguarding our critical infrastructure and maintaining the trust of those who rely on our services,” said MAC Chief Information Officer Eduardo Valencia. “We are excited to welcome Curt Rebelein as our first dedicated chief information security officer. His expertise and leadership will be instrumental in advancing our information security strategies and protecting our airport’s vital operations.”

MAC Board Approves MSP Airport’s 2040 Long-Term Plan

Kim Stevens

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) board approved the long-term plan for Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) today. The MSP Airport 2040 Long-Term Plan outlines potential projects to improve the terminals, parking facilities and airfield to accommodate passenger growth and other changes in aviation activity over the next two decades.

MSP is the 19th busiest airport in North America by passenger traffic based on the latest annual data by Airports Council International. The long-term plan is based on a forecast that the airport will serve approximately 56 million passengers by 2040, compared to the current all-time record of 39.5 million passengers set in 2019. MSP’s runway system has sufficient capacity to meet that demand based on the operations forecast through 2040. Total aircraft operations are expected to increase to approximately 510,000 by 2040, compared to 2023 total operations of 323,929, and well below the high mark of 540,727 annual operations in 2004.

“Our focus through this multi-year process has been to make sure we’re prepared to meet growing demand in air service, cargo and other flight operations while maintaining our commitment to the highest standards in service to our travelers and stakeholders, while minimizing environmental impacts.” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the MAC, which owns and operates MSP Airport. “MSP has the ability to accommodate the projected growth without new runways, but we’ve identified the need to expand terminals, gates and other areas to improve operations for our airlines and make the passenger journey easier throughout the airport.”

Highlights of the long-term plan include new gates that are part of a near-term need to expand Terminal 2 to the south and a long-term project to extend Concourse G in Terminal 1. There are mid- and long-term projects to reconstruct concourses E and F and to create a passenger connector between Terminals 1 and 2. Other proposed projects focus on improving parking and reducing roadway congestion in front of the terminals. Recommended airfield changes include new taxiways to improve operational efficiency and safety, as well as projects for additional aircraft parking and expanded cargo facilities. Click here to see a summary of proposed projects.

“This plan allows us to begin design work for these new projects that will still require appropriate environmental review, capital planning and relevant budgetary actions before any construction is approved,” said Bridget Rief, MAC vice president of planning and development. “It gives us a comprehensive framework for the facilities we need to accommodate future demand in a way that is strategic, safe, efficient and cost-effective.”

The MSP Long-Term Plan incorporated extensive research on passenger and aircraft trends along with current airport infrastructure capabilities. It also reflects feedback and input gathered through an inclusive stakeholder engagement program that included elected officials, regional community partners, airlines, federal and state agencies, business leaders, travel groups, and members of the public. The public engagement process recently concluded with the plan’s review by the Metropolitan Council to make sure the plan is consistent with all components of the regional development guide.

“The MSP Airport 2040 Long-Term Plan is an essential tool for ensuring that we maintain the highest industry rankings in operations and customer satisfaction,” said MAC Chair Rick King. “The plan identifies improvements that will be needed to boost air service and support job activity that are critical to the sustained economic growth of Minnesota for decades to come.”

Earlier this year, MSP won top global and large airport awards in Cirium’s 2023 On-Time Performance Review. Airports Council International (ACI) also named MSP as the best airport in North America through its global passenger survey program, in the 25-40 million passenger category. That recognition marked the third straight year — and seventh out of the last eight years — that MSP received the Airport Service Quality program title.

Minnesota Teacher Selected as the 2024 A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Educator of the Year

Kim Stevens

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) has announced that Mark Westlake STEAM Specialist and Director of the St. Thomas Academy Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, has been selected as the NAHF’s 2024 A. Scott Crossfield Educator of the Year.

The Crossfield Award, founded in 1986 by NAHF Enshrinee Scott Crossfield, is a juried annual competition to recognize a teacher for his or her exemplary use of aerospace in their classroom curricula. Crossfield, who was inducted into the NAHF in 1983, was a renowned test pilot, research pilot, and aerospace researcher. His tests with pressurized suits led to the development of the space suit.

The successful nomination was made by Ms. Caroline Little, Middle School Science Teacher and 2021 Crossfield Educator of the Year. In her nomination, Little said, “Mark’s infectious love of engineering and drive to bring ‘real world’ STEM into the classroom and lives of every student he encounters was a key factor in opening the Saint Thomas Academy Innovation Center. This nationally renowned engineering space is so much more than a set of 3D printers, laser cutters, and 3-axis mills. It is a place where innovation comes alive; where drones whiz past as students design aerodynamic pieces for their NASA rover, where engineering students work on designs for a washing machine for the International Space Station, and where life science students are 3D printing cells.” She goes on to say, “It is because of teachers like Mark Westlake that students and teachers alike look towards the heavens with the same sense of awe and wonder that launched the first mission to the moon.”

Westlake also serves as Moderator of the Saint Thomas Academy Experimental Vehicle Team, is a Lemelson-MIT Invention Education Fellow, and is a Notre Dame Trustey Senior STEM Fellow, coaches a drone racing team and fosters the inventive spirit in teachers and students all over the United States. His teaching career spans over 30 years, and his passion for science and engineering can be seen in the projects and contests he makes available to students and teachers. Classroom activities include NASA HUNCH (High Schools United with NASA Creating Hardware), STEM Day for 3rd-5th graders, NASA WEAR (Wearable Equipment to Avert Radiation), and the only high school selected to participate in NASA SOAR where students designed, fabricated, and tested an instrument that measured vibration and atmospheric conditions in the unpressurized payload area of a WB-57 High AltitudePlane.

Westlake has earned multiple honors and awards for his work with science and engineering students, including Disney Magic Maker Teacher of the Year, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Master Teacher, and National STEM Teacher of the Year.

On receiving the award, Mr. Westlake said “The list of previous A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Educator of the Year teachers is so impressive! I am humbled to be included among the likes of Susan Mallett, Caroline Little, Megan Good Tucker and Jill Weaver! Any success that I have experienced is directly related to my amazing students, who are always willing to take on a new project without any fear of failure. Watching them solve problems and learn new skills gives me tremendous hope for our technological future! Thank you for continuing to support educators and their students.”

Westlake will receive the award on September 13, 2024, at the President’s Reception as part of the National Aviation Hall of Fame’s 60th Enshrinement events. Over 600 people are expected to attend two days of events in Dayton, OH. that feature the formal installment of the NAHF Enshrinee Class of 2024; pioneers Peggy Chabrian, and (the late) Joe Sutter, visionaries (the late) Gary Burrell, Min Kao and (the late) Don Bateman, and aerospace heroes Frederick Gregory and Katherine Johnson.

The NAHF’s 60th Annual Enshrinement Dinner & Ceremony is open to the public by advance registration only. Limited sponsorship opportunities and individual seats are still available. To purchase tickets or find more information, visit www.nationalaviation.org  or call 937-256-0944 ext.16.

MAC Selects Dana Nelson as New Governmental Affairs Director

Kim Stevens

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has selected Dana Nelson to serve as director of governmental affairs. In this role, Nelson will act as intergovernmental liaison with federal, state and local governments on behalf of the MAC. Nelson will start her new role on Monday, June 3.

Dana Nelson
Photo Credit: Metropolitan Airports Commission

Nelson has distinguished herself in a variety of roles since joining the MAC staff in 2009. Most recently, she served as the MAC’s director of stakeholder engagement since 2019. In that role, she tracked federal and state policies on aircraft noise and advised leadership on emerging issues. She also served as a liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), representing the MAC’s interests on topics including airport runway use, airspace, and air traffic control procedure development. During her time as director of stakeholder engagement, she developed strong working relationships with community groups, elected officials, regulating agencies and other stakeholders.

Prior to her role directing stakeholder engagement, she served as the MAC’s manager of noise, environment and planning from 2015 to 2019. She got her start at the MAC as a noise and operations information specialist in 2009.

“Dana is an excellent choice to represent the MAC in our engagement with government officials and stakeholders,” said MAC CEO Brian Ryks. “She has a proven track record of building relationships based on mutual respect and trust. She has demonstrated a consistent ability to seek out common ground and effectively address complex issues. We look forward to having her represent our organization in her new role.”

A licensed pilot, Nelson has won numerous awards and recognition for her work at the MAC. In 2021, she was recognized as one of Airport Business Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40. She was part of a team that earned the 2017 Environmental Achievement Award in Innovative and Special Projects from Airports Council International, and she recently received an internal award from the MAC honoring her work engaging stakeholders during development of the long-term plan for Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

“Building relationships and connections is a key role for government relations teams, and we are thrilled to add Dana to our team,” said MAC Vice President for Government Relations Mitch Killian. “As we engage with elected officials and government agencies on aviation and airport issues, Dana’s knowledge and skills will help the MAC tell its story and ensure mutually beneficial outcomes for our organization, our stakeholders and our region.”

The Metropolitan Airports Commission Names Mark Bents as Director of Real Estate and Airline Affairs

Kim Stevens

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has selected Mark Bents as its new director of real estate and airline affairs within the organization’s newly renamed Revenue and Business Development division.

Mark Bents
Credit: Metropolitan Airports Commission

Promoted from assistant director of commercial management and airline affairs, Bents’ new director role will focus on leading all real estate, airline and rental car agreements across the MAC’s system of airports, which includes Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and six general aviation airports in the Twin Cities.  

“Mark has been leading a resourceful team responsible for a significant amount of annual revenue for the MAC,” said Samantha Porter, MAC vice president of finance and revenue development. “He has led several commercial growth opportunities for the MAC through his established industry relationships and strategic revenue initiatives.”

In his nearly 10 years at the MAC, Bents has been involved in contract negotiations and revenue development initiatives with most of the MAC’s airline, tenant and aviation partners.

“I am thrilled to have been promoted to the director role,” Bents said. “I look forward to the new challenges that lie ahead that will have a great impact in optimizing the MAC’s financial performance and helping our airports operate in a friendly, efficient and secure manner.”

Bents earned his CPA certification in 2008 and was a tax manager for PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP before joining the MAC in 2014. Prior to that, Bents got his aviation experience as an airport operations specialist at South Bend Regional Airport in South Bend, Indiana, and as an airport operations coordinator at Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. Bents holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA with a finance emphasis from the University of North Dakota. He is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) through the American Association of Airport Executives.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission Selects Isabella Rhawie as Director of Concessions and Business Development

Kim Stevens

Isabella Rhawie has been selected as the Metropolitan Airports Commission’s (MAC) director of concessions and business development within the organization’s newly renamed Revenue and Business Development division.

Isabella Rhawie

Elevated from the assistant director role, Rhawie leads a dynamic concessions team and a 100+ unit portfolio of food, beverage and retail concepts at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), which served more than 34.7 million passengers in 2023. Rhawie’s leadership focus has expanded to include managing MSP’s Airport Conference Center and leveraging revenue and business development growth through the MAC’s new Strategic Partnership Program.

“Isabella Rhawie has played a pivotal role in redeveloping the MAC’s concessions program, and her leadership helped the program thrive and win some of the industry’s highest accolades,” said Samantha Porter, MAC vice president of finance and revenue development. “She brings a passion and energy to her work and always brings a customer perspective in managing and developing new business concepts.”

Rhawie joined the MAC in 2014 as a manager in concessions and business development. Over the last decade, she has been integral in redeveloping 85% of MSP’s concession program. That program now generates more than $275 million in annual revenue. Airports Council International-North America honored MSP with the best large airport retail program in 2018 and the Richard A. Griesbach Award of Excellence in airport concessions in 2019.

“The past decade at the MAC has been an incredible journey,” Rhawie said. “I’ve been fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors who have instilled in me a deep passion for this industry. I’m thrilled to leverage that experience now to drive revenue growth, foster innovation, and lead our many airport tenant partners in delivering standout products and service that our passengers and customers expect at MSP.”

Prior to joining the MAC in 2014, Rhawie developed her concessions and customer-focused business career at the Mall of America as a tourism and leasing coordinator. She holds a business administration degree from Augsburg University in Minneapolis. In 2022, Rhawie completed certification in the inaugural ACI-NA U.S. Airport Professional (USAP) program. In 2020, Isabella was selected a “Top 40 Under 40” leader by Airport Business magazine.

MSP Named Best Airport in North America for Third Straight Year

Kim Stevens

Airports Council International (ACI) has named Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) as the Best Airport in North America through its global passenger survey program. The achievement is for the 25-40 million passenger category.

This recognition marks the third straight year—and seventh out of the last eight years—that MSP has received the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program title. In addition, MSP is a member of the ACI World Director General’s Roll of Excellence following four straight years of Best Airport in North America awards between 2016 and 2019. 

“This award is particularly meaningful because our own passengers have chosen MSP for one of the industry’s highest honors,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which operates MSP. “Our entire airport community works hard to deliver top-notch customer service, and this latest award affirms our continued commitment to providing exceptional airport experiences for our travelers.”

The 2023 ASQ Awards were based on 595,000 on-site traveler surveys at 400 airports in 95 countries. The surveys cover 30 key indicators that define a passenger’s overall experience, including the ease of finding their way through the airport, check-in, security, cleanliness, shopping and dining.

“MSP’s streak of year-after-year ASQ awards is an impressive feat that demonstrates the continuous pursuit to create services, amenities and a total welcoming experience that has passengers eager to return to visit or do business in Minnesota,” said MAC Chair Rick King.

“Flying through MSP isn’t just transit; it’s an experience crafted with care,” said Luis Felipe de Oliveira, director general of ACI World. “Success in the Airport Service Quality Awards underscores the ability to make every passenger have a memorable and enjoyable airport journey.”

ACI ranks MSP as the 19th busiest airport in North America. MSP served 34.7 million passengers in 2023, an increase of 11% from the previous year. In 2024, MSP’s 18 commercial airlines will provide nonstop service to 131 domestic and 32 international destinations. This includes the launch of daily Lufthansa service between MSP and Frankfurt, Germany, beginning June 4.

Michael Schommer Joins the Metropolitan Airports Commission to Lead Strategic Communications

Kim Stevens

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has selected Michael Schommer as its new assistant director of strategic communications. Schommer will lead internal and external communications functions at all levels of the organization, including media relations, crisis communications and executive communications for Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the MAC’s six reliever airports in the Twin Cities.

Michael Schommer

Schommer joins the MAC with more than two decades of experience in government communications. In his recent director roles for the state of Minnesota, he developed and executed a wide range of campaigns and emergency response communications adapting messaging across traditional and digital channels based on content and audience targets. He provided strategic communications counsel and support for executive leadership teams and acted as a liaison with partner organizations across federal, state and local government.

“Michael has a tremendous background in Minnesota government and deep community connections developed over his many years in communications leadership,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the MAC. “His experience will further enhance a prime focus area for the MAC in proactive stakeholder and community relations to share how the dynamic activities at our airports support travel and business growth across the region and the state.”

Schommer was most recently the director of communications for the Minnesota Department of Health, a position he held for a decade. Prior to that, he served as communications director of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. In those positions, Schommer worked with senior leaders and programs to develop communications strategies that maximized impact and advanced organizational goals. He enhanced communications programs at each department, building capacity in social media, internal communications, planning and crisis communications. His crisis communications leadership at the health department earned him the 2023 Communicator of the Year award from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission Names Alison Kelly as Labor and Employee Relations Manager

Kim Stevens

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has selected Alison Kelly to serve as labor and employee relations manager. The MAC owns and operates Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and six reliever airports in the Twin Cities. 

Alison Kelly, MAC labor and employee relations manager.

Kelly will manage a comprehensive labor relations program and will be responsible for negotiating and administering the MAC’s 13 collective bargaining agreements. Altogether, the collective bargaining agreements cover 50% of the MAC’s total workforce of 750. 

A well-known and respected leader in the Twin Cities labor relations community, Kelly most recently served as the manager of labor relations for Ramsey County. In that senior management role, she built up the labor relations and compensation team serving more than 4,000 county employees. She was responsible for 21 labor agreements as well as human resources duties related to compensation and compliance.

“MAC employees work hard to provide exceptional airport experiences for our travelers and business partners,” said MAC CEO Brian Ryks. “We understand the importance of maintaining strong and positive relationships with our workforce, and Alison Kelly brings a wealth of employee relations experience to our team. Her history of working on issues from both labor and management perspectives will help us continue to meet the needs of our workers and our organization.”

Kelly’s experience prior to Ramsey County includes several years representing union employees in a wide variety of occupations. Throughout her career, she has negotiated more than 60 collective bargaining agreements on both sides of the table and focused on maintaining productive labor-management relationships and proactively addressing issues throughout contract cycles.