NEW ORLEANS – Today, the New Orleans Aviation Board (NOAB) announced the appointment of Mark Reis as the interim Director of Aviation, effective immediately. Reis will replace former NOAB Director, Iftikhar Ahmad, who announced his departure in September. Walter Krygowski, who has served as Acting Director of Aviation since Ahmad’s departure, will return to his post of Deputy Director and Chief Operations Officer.
Reis joins the NOAB after serving as the managing director for the Port of Seattle’s aviation division, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest and 13th busiest in the United States. Last year, Sea-Tac handled over 42.3 million passengers, a 12.9 percent increase from 2014. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is currently ranked the 37th busiest in the U.S., having handled 10.6 million passengers in 2015.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as Interim Director of Aviation and look forward to providing guidance as we search for a permanent Director of Aviation,” Reis said. “During my interim tenure, I’m committed to continuing the progressive work spearheaded by the current team at the airport, while ensuring that the tremendous growth the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport experienced under this Administration continues.”
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is in the midst of constructing a world-class North Terminal, scheduled to be complete by Oct. 1, 2018, in time for the 300th anniversary of the City of New Orleans. The project is projected to create an estimated 13,000 direct construction jobs and generate a nearly $1 billion investment in the region. The 760,500 square-foot terminal will feature 30 gates, a 2,300-car parking garage and a ground transportation staging area.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with Mark Reis to carry on the transformative mission to develop the world-class airport that this region deserves and continue to create opportunities for the people of New Orleans and visitors alike,” Mayor Mitch Landrieu said. “I’m abundantly confident that under Mark’s guidance, the NOAB and New Orleans International Airport will experience a seamless transition of leadership and continue to provide state-of-the-art service to its passengers and be an economic engine for New Orleans and the region.”
“On behalf of the New Orleans Aviation Board, we would like to welcome Mark Reis to our team,” said Board Chairwoman Cheryl Teamer. “His expansive aviation experience will help lead us as we continue the progressive endeavors of the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and begin our national search for a permanent director.”
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is the primary commercial airport in the State of Louisiana serving over 80 percent of all passengers flying into the State. The Airport is owned by the City of New Orleans. The New Orleans Aviation Board (NOAB), an unattached board of the City of New Orleans, oversees the administration, operation and maintenance of the Airport. The Airport has 17 airlines providing service to 59 non-stop destinations, including seven international destinations.
