Head of Connecticut Airport Authority plans to retire. He oversees Bradley, five aviation airports
Kevin A. Dillon announced Tuesday he plans to retire as executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority as of January 2025.
“Out of my nearly 50 years in the aviation industry, I have spent the last 12 years leading the Connecticut Airport Authority,” said Dillon said in a statement. “Together, we have achieved significant milestones for Bradley International Airport and our general aviation airports.”’
Thanking the authority’s board and staff, Dillon said, “I have every confidence that the organization’s success will continue into the future. Leading an organization in this community has been a privilege, and I also want to express my sincere thanks to our local leaders and partners.”
Dillon was appointed executive director of the new Connecticut Airport Authority in 2012, previously serving as president and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corp. The authority received federal regulatory approval to transition Bradley and five of the state’s general aviation airports from the state Department of Transportation to the authority in 2013.
The five general aviation airports under the Connecticut Aviation Authority are Danielson, Groton-New London, Hartford-Brainard, Waterbury-Oxford, and Windham.
During Dillon’s tenure, nonstop flight destinations have increased 35%, according to a release. The economic impact of Bradley airport has increased $1 billion, the release said.
Recently, Bradley has added a $210 million ground transportation center and had recently begun almost $250 million worth of additional improvements to the airport, according to the release.
“The CAA is very fortunate to have benefitted from Kevin’s strong leadership since his arrival as the organization’s first executive director in 2012,” said Tony Sheridan, chairman of the authority’s board of directors, in a statement.
“As a direct result of his efforts, the CAA has experienced sustained nonstop route growth at Bradley International Airport, been recognized with national awards, and completed hundreds of millions of dollars worth of capital projects across our entire airport system.”
Tom Rafter, executive director of the Tweed New Haven Airport Authority, issued a statement saying, “I want to thank Kevin Dillon and recognize his service to Connecticut not just these last twelve years as Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority but in years before that as a leading voice in the aviation industry.
“Kevin has been a strong leader for Bradley International Airport and the state’s five other general aviation airports, seeing them through various challenges, and always remaining focused on how aviation can contribute to Connecticut’s economic development and growth strategy. We wish Kevin the best on his well-deserved retirement and look forward to continuing to work alongside the leadership of the Connecticut Airport Authority.”
Dillon has previously held leadership positions at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Massachusetts Port Authority, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
Ed Stannard can be reached at estannard@courant.com.
