South Bend, IN. – South Bend International Airport (SBN) Vice President of Operations Patrick Mac Carthaigh, A.A.E., ACE, has been awarded the distinction of Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).

To qualify for his distinction, Mac Carthaigh had to successfully complete three phases of the accreditation process: (1) pass an 180-item multiple choice examination, (2) fulfill a writing requirement, and (3) demonstrate, in a final interview by a panel of A.A.E.s, his knowledge of airport management, business administration, and general transportation economics. Mac Carthaigh’s achievement attests to his ability to meet these stringent requirements and his experience in managing a public airport.

“On behalf of the St. Joseph County Airport Authority Board of Directors and the entire team at SBN, we are proud of Patrick’s accomplishment and his dedication to improvement,” said SBN CEO and Executive Director Mike Daigle, A.A.E. “Professional development is on-going in the aviation industry across all departments. Not only are these achievements an individual honor, the airport benefits as well.”

By fulfilling all the requirements leading to the title of Accredited Airport Executive, Mac Carthaigh joins a select group of individuals who have earned the designation in the six plus decades of the accreditation program’s existence. At present, fewer than eight percent of AAAE’s members throughout the country are active accredited airport executives.

About AAAE
Founded in 1928, AAAE is the world’s largest professional organization representing the individuals who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE’s 10,000 plus members represent more than 850 airports as well as hundreds of companies and organizations that support the airport industry. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C., and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program.

About South Bend International Airport
South Bend International Airport’s four air carriers provide nonstop flights to thirteen cities: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Fort Myers/Punta Gorda, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Orlando/Sanford, Phoenix/Mesa, Sarasota/Bradenton, and Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg with connections world-wide. South Bend International’s multi-modal terminal serves over one million air and rail passengers each year.
 
For additional information, please refer to www.FlySBN.com or get social with SBN on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FlySBN), Instagram (@SBNairport), LinkedIn (@South Bend International Airport), X (@SBNairport), or Threads (@SBNairport) to stay informed about the airport and the carriers that serve the South Bend region.