Sponsored Student Spotlight: Bryan Avery
Bryan Avery A.A.E is a regular face at Airport Management Council of Ontario (AMCO) events. As the Airport Manager for North Bay Jack Garland Airport, he is always willing to share his knowledgeable perspectives garnered through his years in many facets of airport operations. Bryan’s story is certainly unique as his engagement with AMCO commenced as a Sponsored Student and then consequently led to his employment with the association. Since then, he has transformed these early career development opportunities into a longtime profession in the airport industry. It is a story of continued education and embracing remarkable opportunities.
Turning An Interest to an Education and Career
Bryan always had an interest in aviation. In prior years, he participated in the Canadian Armed Forces cadet youth program and even became a glider pilot. It simply made personal and professional sense to attend the Aviation Management program at Georgian College and then Embry Riddle Aeronautical University once it came time to pursue post-secondary education and focus on a reliable career path. Through educational and professional engagements, Bryan was drawn to airport operations and infrastructure development, which are certainly areas of dynamic career potential. As a diligent worker, he gained professional experience through positions at Transport Canada, the Department of National Defence, and surprisingly, the Airport Management Council of Ontario.
An Encounter With AMCO
Bryan was selected as the AMCO Sponsored Student for the 23rd Annual Convention and Annual General Meeting in Sudbury in 2008. He could not imagine that this one opportunity would lead to professional development, a longtime relationship with the association, and lasting friendships. During his final year of studies, Bryan noticed that AMCO sought a new Executive Director, and he quickly applied for the position. He was hired in 2010 and spent four years leading the association. These were unquestionably formative years as Bryan was not only exposed to airport affairs across the province, but he gained a community of like-minded industry professionals to consult with and learn from as well.
In 2014, Bryan became the Security/Operations and Service Development Manager at North Bay Jack Garland Airport (YYB). This newly created position saw him handily manage the airport security program, employee health and safety, and the administration of several programs, including Airside Vehicle Operator Permits (AVOPs), restricted area passes, access control, and facility maintenance. This is the same year that he received his Certified Member accreditation from the International Association of Airport Executives–Canada.
Bryan would go on to work other roles at YYB until becoming the Airport Manager in 2022. His years of experience with varied operational tasks including refuelling, service and property development, and regulatory compliance placed him as an excellent candidate for the role. Certainly, Bryan has fascinating stories to tell about his time at the northeastern Ontario airport, including managing the dynamic components part of irregular operations. North Bay Jack Garland Airport is no stranger to such events as the airport’s 10,000 ft long runway and infrastructure capacity make it an attractive site. From visits by world leaders, aircraft testing programs, and managing measures related to medical, military, mechanical, or weather event disruptions, Bryan has seen a lot. He is always willing to share his knowledge and best practices with those who ask though.
Still, Bryan returns to his AMCO roots for engagement and connection despite handling all the responsibilities that come with managing a regional airport. He served on the Board of Directors from 2018 to 2022 as Northeastern Regional Director (and continues to participate in regional meetings as an attendee) and currently contributes to the Transport Canada Civil Aviation and Operations Committee.
Continued Growth and New Experiences
Many have come to know Bryan as a strong advocate for the aviation industry as well as a staunch voice for regional airports and their distinctive challenges. His professional achievements continue to grow alongside his embrace of new opportunities and industry engagement.
In May 2024, and after almost six months of planning, Airbus arrived from Toulouse, France, to test flight systems using an A350-900 Flightlab flight test vehicle (FTV) in North Bay. This was unquestionably a unique opportunity and one that offered a myriad of learning prospects for an airport manager with a keen understanding of irregular operations. Bryan went on to write a short piece for The Airport Environment and You Volume 12 Issue 3 once again demonstrating his willingness to share his insights.
He picked up the topic of irregular operations once again at the AMCO 2024 Annual Convention and Trade Show in London, Ontario in October 2024. Bryan presented on “Connecting the Dots on IROPs: Irregular Operations Planning & Ad-hoc Opportunities for Resiliency and Revenue”, but this presentation offered an additional meaning that day. It was completed as part of his IAAE accreditation. Ultimately, Bryan was successful and achieved Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) designation. His story is certainly one of grasping opportunities, learning, and sharing knowledge with others.
Bryan’s story as a Successful Sponsored Student is exceptional. His engagement with AMCO transitioned through many phases and roles ─ student, executive director, board member, and airport member ─ but his intent to grasp opportunities and share wisdom has been a constant force. Bryan has demonstrated what is possible if one is keen to grasp occasions for learning and actively engage in a supportive community with the collective vision of safe and efficient airport operations as a priority.