After a distinguished career of thirty-four (34) years at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, including serving as the President and CEO of the Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA) for seventeen (17) years, Mr. Alfonso Denson will be retiring during the first quarter of 2018.
Mr. Denson has led many airside and landside airport projects including:
• increasing the length of Runway 6/24 from 10,000 to 12,000 feet
• cargo development
• expanding the aircraft parking apron to 400,000 sq. ft.
• acquiring nearly 800 properties through the noise and environmental land acquisition program due to attaining increased levels of federal funding
His leadership of the Terminal Modernization Program (TMP) during 2011-2014 transformed the airport into a state of the art airport terminal by having all the modern amenities passengers need, including a Federal Inspection Station to process international passengers, thereby being the only airport in the state of Alabama with this capability.
Because of Mr. Denson’s innovative and creative approach to airport management, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award (DSA) in 2016, the highest honor awarded by American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Throughout his career he has received numerous awards and honors due to his experience and knowledge of aviation issues, being recognized as a trailblazer for his approach to aviation management.
Mr. Denson states that his success is due to having a clear vision of how to implement projects of all types and sizes, and most importantly, nurturing and fostering excellent relationships with all airport
stakeholders including the Airlines, TSA and FAA to maintain the Airport as a viable economic entity for the City of Birmingham. As President and CEO of the BAA, it has always been his strong belief that you treat people with dignity, respect and value them as individuals, regardless of their job position or job title. Every employee is valued and contributes to the success of the organization.
The Birmingham Airport Authority recognizes and is grateful to Mr. Denson for his leadership, vision, and his many contributions and efforts to the airport community, the City of Birmingham and the aviation industry.
The Birmingham Airport Authority is beginning the search for a new Chief Executive Officer. They are committed to a seamless transition and continued success at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.
