2025 Airport Business Top 40 Under 40: Ian Carter

• Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
• Alma Mater: San Francisco State University
• What’s one airport that inspires you? LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Ian Carter brings cross-sector expertise and adaptability to one of the most complex redevelopment efforts in U.S. aviation. As Vice President with ASUR Airports (previously URW Airports), he has helped steer two transformative projects at John F. Kennedy International Airport: the $125 million reimagining of the commercial program at Terminal 8, and the creation of the retail, dining, and lounge program for the $9.5 billion privately funded New Terminal One, scheduled to open in 2026. Each project requires distinct strategies and coordination across stakeholders, and Carter has earned credibility by delivering results while keeping the passenger experience central.

Carter entered aviation from a career in retail and commercial real estate, where he honed the skills needed to manage large, multifaceted developments. At JFK, he has quickly established himself as a trusted integrator—bridging the work of development, leasing, legal, and operations teams to ensure cohesion across massive programs. His leadership has also shaped workplace culture, emphasizing collaboration, accountability, and momentum even as legacy facilities transition into active construction sites.

Reflecting on his path, Carter noted, “What was originally meant to be a short-term assist at JFK ended up completely reshaping my career. I realized the scale, impact, and opportunity of what we were building, and I haven’t looked back since.” That perspective underscores his approach: embracing complexity, learning from colleagues, and viewing every challenge as an opportunity to grow.

Carter remains focused on building commercial programs that not only redefine terminals but also create a legacy that New Yorkers can take pride in for decades to come.