Nate Lavin assumed the role of Air Service Development Manager at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Undeterred by the crisis, he formulated an ASD Recovery Plan focused on restoring SLC's passenger air service to pre-pandemic levels. The plan's four cornerstone initiatives—airport, airline, community, and consumer—underscore his comprehensive approach to navigating challenges.
During this period, Lavin revamped SLC's Airline Incentive Program, ensuring its relevance in attracting new domestic services and addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Lavin also helped establish SLC's first Air Service Development Committee, fostering collaboration between business, community, and hospitality leaders. Through weekly air service updates, he ensures that the SLC Airport staff stays informed, maintaining a proactive stance in the rapidly evolving aviation landscape.
“I like to believe that what I do makes a difference—bringing families, friends, communities, and businesses closer together,” Lavin said. “Nonstop routes bring a sense of unity and camaraderie in a way nothing else can. Helping to build air bridges across borders and oceans and making the world more accessible empowers me.”
Before joining SLC, his journey in the aviation industry included roles at San Antonio Airport (SAT) and Colorado Springs Airport. At SAT, he played a pivotal role in securing wins like JetBlue and Spirit. His analytical prowess was demonstrated in leading SAT's gate utilization study, a precursor to the Terminal Development Program.
Lavin's career trajectory reflects his commitment to professional growth, evident in achieving an AAAE CM certification, graduating from Utah Valley University and becoming President of the AAAE Student Chapter.
His motivation to inspire future leaders is evident in his involvement in industry associations, serving on the ACI-NA Air Service Committee and the Board for the Utah Business Travel Association.
Lavin's love for the aviation industry is not limited to professional circles; it extends to the community. His dream of working at SLC, nurtured since childhood, has become a reality, and he now aspires to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.
“At a young age, I developed a passion for aviation and wanted to have a career at the SLC airport ever since. I’m finally here living my dream, and I’m proud of myself for achieving that goal,” he said.
Looking to the future, Lavin said “SLC is undergoing a once-in-a-lifetime redevelopment that has already opened the door to a whole new era of air service for the region. We are transforming into a premier global hub and the opportunities are endless. I hope to help expand our reach and connect with communities near and far. I also hope to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. As the aviation industry continues to grow, we are going to need them.”
