2012 Top 40: Andy Solsvig

Aug. 21, 2012

Andy Solsvig

Airport Director

Minot International Airport

Date of Birth: 9-15-75

Years in Aviation: 14

Andy Solsvig has more than 14 years of aviation experience and has been the airport director of the Minot International Airport for the past three years. As a department head for the City of Minot, North Dakota he works under the leadership of the city manager with a Mayor/City Council organizational structure. 

Since accepting this responsibility Solsvig has overcome many challenges through proven leadership and a supportive staff. In three years, Solsvig has negotiated two additional airlines into the market which has tripled air service, developed a strong community relations program, manages a $3.5 million budget, and is currently planning $90 million in capital improvement projects.

Solsvig began his aviation interest in a Minneapolis High School wanting to become a pilot.  During his undergraduate years at the University of North Dakota, he worked for Mesaba Airlines as a ramp agent and then changed his degree to Airport Management after realizing airports require a “jack of all trades”. 

During his senior year, Solsvig interned for the Grand Forks International Airport and then in public relations for the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport post-graduation.  Solsvig soon accepted a position with the Reno-Tahoe International Airport as a planner.  After six and a half years in airport planning, he accepted an internal transition to airport marketing/protocol and air service where he served an additional two years in this capacity while completing his MBA. 

Nicknamed “Airport Andy”, his favorite quote is “Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude”, which can be found in his office.