Promotion of Chris Saunders reinforces the Authority’s commitment to expanding airline partnerships, enhancing operations and supporting Middle Tennessee’s rapid growth
Nashville, Tenn. (June 23, 2026) — The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) today announced the promotion of Chris Saunders to Assistant Vice President, Airline Affairs & Air Service Development, a strategic leadership advancement that reinforces the Authority’s long-term vision for enhancing operations, air service and traveler experience at Nashville International Airport®, also known as BNA®.
“Chris has played a central role in shaping BNA’s air service development, and his promotion strengthens our ability to meet the needs of a rapidly growing region,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. “His deep expertise in airline partnerships and air service strategy has been vital to BNA’s success, and his leadership will help us continue delivering exceptional service to our airlines, partners and travelers.”
Saunders, who joined MNAA in August 2009 and most recently served as Director of Airline Affairs & Air Service Development, has been instrumental in enhancing airline partnerships and advancing the growth of air service at BNA. His leadership has contributed to notable increases in international service and nonstop destinations. He was promoted to director in July 2025 following his tenure as manager.
In his expanded role as Assistant Vice President, Airline Affairs & Air Service Development, Saunders remains responsible for overseeing airline agreements, leases and service licenses, while also guiding the development, analysis, negotiation and execution of business plans, proposals, contracts and other agreements that support MNAA’s strategic objectives.
Saunders holds a bachelor’s degree in aviation management and a Master of Business Administration, both from Middle Tennessee State University. He also holds the Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) designation from the American Association of Airport Executives.
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About Nashville International Airport® (BNA®)
Nashville International Airport®, also known as BNA®, is one of the fastest-growing airports in the nation and a vital infrastructure asset for Middle Tennessee. As the gateway to Music City and beyond, BNA plays a pivotal role in supporting economic growth and community prosperity. The State of Tennessee’s 2025 Economic Impact Study reports that in 2024 alone, BNA generated $13.8 billion in total economic impact, supported 80,000 jobs and contributed to $2.1 billion in federal, state and local taxes. The airport receives no local tax dollars. To keep pace with Nashville’s rapid expansion and evolving passenger needs, BNA is undergoing a major transformation through its New Horizon expansion program. Learn more at BNANewHorizon.com and flynashville.com, and stay connected by following BNA on social media: Facebook (@NashvilleInternationalAirport), X (@Fly_Nashville), Instagram (@FlyNashville), YouTube (@NashvilleInternationalAirport) and LinkedIn (in/MNAA).
About John C. Tune Airport® (JWN®)
John C. Tune Airport®, also known as JWN®, located eight miles west of downtown Nashville, is one of the busiest general aviation airports in Tennessee. It serves the needs of regional, corporate and private aircraft and is a reliever airport for Nashville International Airport®, also known as BNA®, helping to support the area’s growing aviation needs. The State of Tennessee’s 2025 Economic Impact Study reports that in 2024 alone, JWN generated $177 million in total economic impact, supported 1,000 jobs and contributed to $24.4 million in federal, state and local taxes, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to Middle Tennessee’s transportation infrastructure. The airport receives no local tax dollars. JWN is owned and operated by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA). More information is available at JWNAirport.com.
NASHVILLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT®, BNA®, COMMANDER BERRY FIELD®, JOHN C. TUNE AIRPORT®, and JWN®, among others, are the registered trademarks and trademarks of The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (“MNAA”). Use of these trademarks without permission from MNAA is strictly prohibited.
