Where Careers Take Flight: Empowering People and Communities through Aviation
What makes an airport memorable isn’t the technology or the food options — it’s the people. From security and airline personnel to retail, restaurant, and corporate roles, airports are powered by a host of talented, dedicated people doing a diverse range of jobs. In the U.S. alone, commercial airports support more than 11.5 million jobs and contribute approximately $428 billion in annual payroll.
This impact extends well beyond airport walls and can unlock broader career pathways. From hourly positions to executive leadership, airports engage a wide network of local partners — pilots, training schools, mechanics, engineers, architects, and more. Just in Vantage’s network alone, there are strong examples of both direct and indirect career opportunities:
- Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau, The Bahamas, directly supported an estimated 3,690 jobs in 2023, including airline employees, fixed base operators, aircraft maintenance crews, ground handlers, and customer service teams.
- Kamloops Airport (YKA) is a passenger gateway and job creator for the region it serves, creating hundreds of direct, indirect, and induced jobs and generating more than $27.8 million (CAD) in annual wages.
- The new JFK Terminal 6 is creating opportunities for businesses and local residents seeking career opportunities in every facet of the redevelopment, with a commitment to creating 4,000 new jobs in skilled labor, hospitality, security, and facilities
Airports are massive employers and economic engines. But that talent must be developed, nurtured and encouraged. At Vantage, we’re committed to building the aviation workforce of the future.
Supporting the Next Generation of Aviation Leaders through Community Partnership
Whether on the frontlines or in leadership positions, each team member plays a role in contributing to a thriving airport. Across the Vantage network, our airports champion career development in aviation, ensuring that as airports grow so do the people and communities around them.
Supporting Women in Aviation in Moncton
In 2024, The Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) partnered with the Moncton Flight College – one of Canada’s oldest and largest flight colleges — to launch Soaring High: The Scholarship for Women in Aviation, aimed at increasing the representation of women in the industry. The inaugural scholarship was awarded to Khulufelo (Patricia) Thompson, supporting her dreams of becoming a pilot.
Empowering Young Women to Follow Career Paths in Aviation in Hamilton
The team at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) recently hosted Elevate Aviation’s Cross Country Tour, an event dedicated to empowering women and other underrepresented groups to pursue careers in aviation. The event featured motivational speakers from across the industry, including Sky Bjel, an aspiring astronaut and recipient of YHM’s 2023 RCAF Foundation Scholarship, who shared stories encouraging young women to explore the many opportunities aviation has to offer.
Promoting the Employment of People Experiencing Disabilities in Fort St. John
North Peace Regional Airport (YXJ) partnered with the Fort St. John Community Living Association to support the MentorAbility program, which is designed to promote the recruitment, employment, and retention of people experiencing disabilities through mentorship opportunities, networking events, and learning sessions. One participant helped organize a presentation on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, which provides a discreet way for guests with non-visible disabilities — such as autism, PTSD, or hearing loss — to signal that they may require additional assistance while navigating the terminal. The participants gained valuable workplace experience while also helping to raise awareness about hidden disabilities and promote inclusivity within the airport community.
Supporting Kids in Underserved Communities in Chicago
Our team at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) partnered with Midway’s AviNational program and Project H.O.O.D., a local organization dedicated to empowering youth in underserved communities. The program features motivational speakers who have transformed their lives through careers in aviation, followed by breakout sessions that allow young participants to explore a wide range or airport and aviation careers — many they may never have realized were possible.
A Gateway to Career Possibilities
Airports do more than connect travelers to their destinations — they connect people to careers and opportunities. Through job creation, training, and partnerships that promote inclusivity and growth, airports play a vital role in building stronger communities and shaping the next generation of aviation professionals. Across the Vantage network, it’s our people who set us apart. With teams that offer unique perspectives, backgrounds, and skills, we help drive shared success.
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