Top 40 Under 40: James Bogusz

Oct. 7, 2013

James Bogusz

VAA Director, Airside Operations, Technology & Environment

Victoria Airport Authority

Date of Birth: 12/5/1978

Number of Years in Aviation: 6


When James Bogusz contracted services for the Victory Airport Authority in the early 2000s and was a key part of their terminal expansion project from a technology perspective, he knew he wanted to do more in aviation.

Bogusz later joined the Victoria Airport Authority in 2007 as its manager of Information Technology. In 2008, additional responsibilities of air service development, airport marketing and tourism development were added to his portfolio, and in 2010, he moved into the position of director of Airside Operations, Technology & Environment.

As Bogusz progressed through his roles at the Airport Authority, he applies his “can-do” attitude and broad background in technology and business management to tackle challenges facing the core operation. He created and deployed a computerized work order management system to better manage all day-to-day activities of maintenance, electrical and technology staff, and he gained staff buy-in to the changes by using a collaborative approach that engaged team members at all levels.

As the Canadian Safety Management Systems (SMS) regulations have come into effect, he addressed these challenges by creating a set of computerized tools to manage the pro-active safety concerns and assess risk. He also created an SOP manual to empower front line staff to handle common issues that arise when running a 365-days-a -year operation.  Having a robust set of documented processes and software programs has dramatically improved both consistency and accountability within the organization.  

Bogusz has also advanced a number of key environmental initiatives. They include a greatly enhanced glycol mitigation process, completing a major creek restoration project, improved construction monitoring practices and converting de-icing agents to more environmentally friendly materials.

Bogusz is an active member of the Canadian Airports Council’s (CAC) Operations, Safety and Technical Affairs Committee, the CAC Environment Committee and has previously served on the board for the North West Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)

He advises others in the field to “Always go beyond the minimum standard, in fact, aim to go way above!”