innovating the Future of Airport Hospitality

About Us

Airport Hospitality Academy (AHA) is a first-of-its-kind training and certification program designed to transform the airport concessions and retail workforce.

Our mission is simple:
Elevate the airport experience by turning jobs into careers.

Airports are the first and last impression travelers have of a city — and the people working there shape that experience. But high turnover and limited career growth have long been challenges. AHA changes that by providing:

  • A structured 5-level certification pathway

  • Training rooted in cultural values and operational excellence

  • Real career advancement opportunities for front-line employees

We partner with concessionaires, airport authorities, and community organizations to build a more professional, empowered, and future-ready workforce.

 FAQs

  • The Airport Hospitality Academy (AHA) is a professional certification and workforce development program built specifically for airport concessions and retail employees. We help turn high-turnover jobs into sustainable careers.

  • AHA is open to:

    • Front-line airport employees in concessions and retail

    • Concessionaires/operators seeking better training and retention tools

    • Community partners and workforce organizations helping people find career paths in hospitality

  • For Concessionaires & Operators:

    • Reduced turnover and lower hiring costs

    • Faster, more consistent training

    • Enhanced guest satisfaction and brand loyalty

    • A competitive edge in airport RFPs

    • Access to a trained talent pipeline

    For Airports & Authorities:

    • Improved passenger experience (impacting J.D. Power/ASQ scores)

    • Stronger community engagement and local hiring

    • Support for DEI and workforce development goals

    • Positioning as an innovator in airport service excellence

  • AHA offers a structured, five-level certification pathway that transforms an entry-level position into a viable, long-term career in airport hospitality. Each level blends Cultural Foundations and Operational Foundations to create well-rounded, service-oriented professionals.

    Cultural Foundations

    • The Servant’s Heart

    • Excellence

    • Integrity

    • Work Ethic

    Operational Foundations

    • People

    • Product

    • Facility

    • Financials

    5 Certification Levels

    • 1-Star: Onboarding & Basics
      Focuses on initial orientation, workplace expectations, and core service values.

    • 2-Star: Core Service & Operations
      Builds essential guest service and operational skills to improve performance and confidence.

    • 3-Star: Leadership Readiness
      Prepares employees for leadership responsibilities, cross-training, and multi-unit exposure.

    • 4-Star: Assistant General Manager (AGM) Preparation
      Equips future leaders with advanced skills in team management, operations, and communication.

    • 5-Star: Airport General Manager (GM) Certification
      The pinnacle of the program — full leadership development for top-level airport operations and business management.

    Each certification level is designed to support career progression while boosting employer outcomes like retention, training efficiency, and guest satisfaction.

  • We partner with local nonprofits, workforce boards, and schools to connect underrepresented populations, veterans, and young people with career opportunities at the airport — driving economic development from the ground up.

  • Mission

    To equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in the airport and aviation industry through high-quality training, workforce development, and career readiness programs.

  • Vision

    To be the nation’s leading pipeline for diverse, job-ready talent in airport hospitality and operations—shaping the future of aviation through excellence, equity, and opportunity.

  • Values

    Excellence, Opportunity, Integrity, Inclusion, and Service—guide everything we do, from hands-on training to preparing diverse talent for meaningful careers in airport hospitality and operations.