2020 Airport Business Top 40 Under 40: Ryan Betcher, A.A.E.

Ryan Betcher always knew he wanted to work in aviation but wasn’t sure in what capacity. When he was in high school, he attended an aviation career day where he heard from an airport management professional, who intrigued him on that path.

“I enjoy working at a small hub airport because it exposes me to so many different aspects of aviation,” he said. “I get to work on these different tasks and see them come to fruition.”  

Betcher is director of general aviation and properties at the Horry County Department of Airports. He’s responsible for four GA airports owned and operated by the county and all associated activities and personnel.

Gross GA fuel sales have increased to $8.9 million from $3.5 million in four years, an increase of 154.3 percent. Betcher and the GA team have developed strategies for fuel pricing based on required margins and the GA airports’ forecast models.

These improvements have allowed the Fixed-Base Operator staff to engage in a more focused approach to business development/diversification as well as identify new measurable performance metrics.

“I like knowing that we’re taking something and making it better and improving it for the future,” he said. I like working with people and knowing we’re making employees’ jobs easier or streamlining things.

He works closely with military partners and assists in securing governmental fuel contracts. He successfully manages GA tenants and GA pilot activity, while maintaining a safe and efficient FBO.

On the commercials side, Betcher has full management oversight of airport properties and leases for Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR). He leads the procurement process for revenue-producing ventures and non-federally funded capital projects.

His expertise in technology has led to streamlining of airport contracts and improved electronic tracking capability. His inquisitive and innovative approach to projects has created various efficiencies across multiple departments.

Betcher said he hopes to promote aviation as a career choice for future generations during his career to build a strong workforce for tomorrow.

“We have to continue getting younger people involved at an early age,” he said. “We as airport professionals need to continue making our industry more visible, accessible and inclusive.”