2025 Airport Business Top 40 Under 40: Brady C. Brewster

• Hometown: Lincoln, NE
• Alma Mater: University of Missouri-Kansas City
• What’s one airport that inspires you? Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport 

Brady Brewster is a Senior Aviation Planner at McFarland Johnson whose career reflects both technical expertise and a deep commitment to community impact. Over the past decade, he has worked with airports ranging from general aviation facilities to large hubs such as Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport, helping them navigate complex planning, environmental, and design challenges. His leadership in master planning, demand forecasting, gate utilization analysis, and program definition has enabled airports to secure funding, optimize capacity, and position themselves for long-term growth.

Brewster played a central role in advancing McFarland Johnson’s AVIAS platform, a suite of planning tools that helps airports modernize workflows and improve operational efficiency. His ability to combine technical proficiency in tools like AviPLAN Pro, AutoCAD, and GIS with clear communication has made him a trusted partner for clients seeking to balance operational realities with strategic vision. He has also served as an on-site extension of airport planning teams, providing immediate solutions to keep projects on track.

His commitment extends beyond project delivery. Brewster served two terms on the AAAE National Young Professional Steering Committee, co-chairing both the Mentorship and Professional Development groups. In 2022, he received the AAAE Leadership Award for his contributions to advancing career pathways for young professionals. He also serves on the Air Service Advisory Council at his hometown Lincoln Airport, where his advocacy supported new service beginning in 2025.

“I see airports as more than infrastructure—they’re community gateways,” Brewster says. “Every project is a chance to create connections that last far beyond the airfield.”