The most successful airport development projects happen when everyone’s on the same page. At Vantage, we have a group dedicated to ensuring our teams are driving toward the same goal, acting as a liaison between functions like construction and operations.
To learn more about it, we sat down with Katarzyna Sek, Director, Operations Planning and Implementation.
Katarzyna leads Vantage’s Operational Readiness and Transition (ORAT) team, overseeing planning and implementation initiatives, currently supporting facility design and phasing activities at JFK Terminal 6. She previously held this role at LaGuardia Gateway Partners during the redevelopment of Terminal B. Her additional specializations include security, health and safety, and passenger services.
Our fast five interview covers:
- Katarzyna’s career journey
- What made the LGA Terminal B transformation successful
- The new JFK Terminal 6
- What Katarzyna’s is most excited for in the new year
- Her favorite part of working at Vantage
What was your career journey? Did you always know you would work in aviation?
I earned my degree in education and psychology, but a summer job working check-in at JFK prompted an interest in aviation.
I took an entry-level role in the industry, which sparked a passion that ultimately reshaped my career path. I went on to earn several aviation certifications and complete training, and I truly love the work I do. Looking back, I’ve always been fascinated by planes and travel. My family visited Saint Martin a lot, and I would spend hours at the beach or on the balcony, watching planes take off and land. Aviation has a strong sense of community — when you deeply care about airports, that passion shows beyond your job description. I oen find myself picking up trash at airports even when I’m not working.
What are you most proud of about LaGuardia Terminal B? What do you think made the transformation successful?
The people. Teams across the terminal were united by a shared vision and genuine excitement to redefine what LaGuardia Terminal B could be.
That spirit extended beyond our core team to airline partners, vendors, and tenants — everyone was invested in creating something special. That collaboration and passion made the difference. Being recognized as a two-time Skytrax winner after construction was completed is a testament to the incredible staff who continue to operate the terminal at the highest level, every day.
What are you looking forward to most about the opening of the new JFK Terminal 6?
Seeing passengers experience a new terminal for the first time is always a highlight, and it’s what I’m most excited for at JFK Terminal 6.
One of my favorite memories from LaGuardia Terminal B was working the night our first arriving flights came in. Passengers would step off the plane, look around, and genuinely question whether they were even in the right airport. Watching those reactions was incredibly rewarding!
What are you most excited for this year?
Seeing JFK Terminal 6 come to life.
This terminal has been my main focus, and it will be incredibly rewarding to see it up and running. I’m excited to finally showcase what we’ve been working on for the past few years — from facility improvements to cool features we’ve added. We’ve also built on lessons learned at LaGuardia, and it will be exciting to see those improvements realized.
What is your favorite part of working at Vantage?
I really love the people I work with at Vantage — everyone is eager to drive change and make things better.
I’ve also been fortunate enough to have strong mentors who encouraged me and helped shape my career. And, of course, I have a genuine love for airports and aviation (and jet fuel)!
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