Indy Airport Recognized Nationally for Its Commitment to Diversity

June 22, 2017

The Airport Minority Advisory Council in Washington, D.C. recognized the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) with the Airport Top Flight Award, honoring the airport for its significant contribution in supporting diverse employment and fostering growth in the development of certified diverse businesses.

AMAC, a national, non-profit trade association, works consistently with Congress, the federal government, aviation trade associations and others to promote the inclusion of minorities and women in employment and the full participation of minority-owned, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises in airport contract opportunities.

Today 50 percent of the Indianapolis Airport Authority’s leadership is made up of women and minority personnel, with 33 percent being racial minorities. Additionally, in 2016 the IAA awarded $14 million (25 percent) in contractual opportunities to minority and women businesses, compared to more than $58.7 million in total contract dollars spent for the same time period. During the first quarter of 2017, the IAA has awarded $3.7 million in contractual opportunities to certified diverse businesses, compared to more than $13.2 million in total contract dollars spent for the same time period. The IAA supplier diversity participation is continuing a growth trend for this year.

“Our workforce and vendor makeup is reflective of the diversity of Indianapolis, and the passengers who fly through the airport,” said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the IAA, who was recognized in 2016 and 2017 with awards for his leadership as a minority business professional. “In our experience, diversity enhances the public value of the airport because it provides a crucial depth in perspective, and generates a richness of ideas, innovation and vision that benefits passengers, employees and the community as a whole.”

The Indianapolis International Airport contributes $5.4 billion to the local economy, and supports more than 22,500 jobs in Marion County – equating to approximately $2 billion in employee personal wages and benefits.

“AMAC is proud to award the Indianapolis International Airport with the Airport Top Flight Award,” said AMAC President and Chief Executive Officer Krystal Brumfield. “Indianapolis’ exceptional performance is reflective of its leadership’s commitment to diversity inclusion and of the great team effort that is put into attracting, developing and using women and minority owned business. We couldn’t have awarded it to a better airport.”

That diverse thinking and input has helped the Indianapolis International Airport to become a leader among airports throughout North America, including being recognized by J.D. Power for customer service and by traveler surveys that have ranked the Indy airport number one on the continent year after year.