(New York, N.Y., January 28, 2014) - Propeller Airports today announced the appointment of Robert Aaronson as its new Chairman. Propeller Airports, a subsidiary of Propeller Investments, is overseeing the development and operation of Silver Comet Field at Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport where Aaronson will help guide the company on key decisions regarding development, safety and standards.
“Bob’s experience, knowledge and proven leadership skills in the aviation sector make him an invaluable addition to Silver Comet’s Board of Directors,” said Brett Smith, CEO of Propeller. “We are excited that Silver Comet will benefit from Bob’s expertise.”
Aaronson has nearly 40 years of industry experience specifically in the airport sector, having worked on both the government and commercial sides of the business. He has had direct responsibility for the management and development of six major U.S. airports, including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which manages John F. Kennedy International Airport, La Guardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, where he was Director of Aviation.
Prior to the NYNJ Port Authority, Aaronson was appointed by the federal government as its top official with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), responsible for nationwide standards, safety and development for all U.S. airports. Before joining the FAA, Aaronson was president and CEO of the Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the first and only trade organization of the principal airlines in the U.S.
During Aaronson’s career he has held key executive positions in some of the world’s most prestigious and successful aerospace organizations, including Lockheed Air Terminal and Lufthansa Consulting, where he was responsible for the Americas. Additionally, Aaronson currently serves on the Board of the Connecticut Airport Authority and previously served as the Director General of Airports Council International World, the global association of commercial airports based in Geneva, Switzerland.
“Silver Comet Field has the potential to be a great economic engine for Paulding County, and I look forward to working with local, state and federal officials, airport staff and Paulding residents to develop it in a smart and responsible way that will maximize value for stakeholders,” Aaronson said.
Propeller Airports is working with the Paulding County Airport Authority and the Paulding Aerospace Alliance to develop Silver Comet and the surrounding area for limited commercial aviation use and aerospace maintenance, operations and repairs. Once developed, Silver Comet Field is expected to generate 2,000 – 3,000 jobs and $350 million for the local community.
About Propeller:
Propeller Investments leverages highly experienced aerospace and transportation entrepreneurs with the financial expertise and demonstrated record of making strategic investments and developing top caliber projects. Silver Comet is operated by Propeller Airports, Inc. a subsidiary of Propeller Investments. Propeller is based in New York and has offices in Atlanta and Dublin, Ireland.
