b'TERMINALSFAT 11Upon announcing the hire, Fresno Mayor Jerry DyerAfter Thompson passed away, Mayor Dyer told a local news highlighted Thompsons vision, ability to attract more air serviceoutlet that Thompson had done more for the airport in a short and dedication to fostering excellent customer experiences.period of time than anyone he could recall. With FATs sizable terminal program already underway, Dyer flatlyThat sentiment was echoed by White, the Fresno city declared, Henry is the right man for this job.manager, who said Thompsons focus on improving the travel Under Thompsons guidance, FAT attracted new or increasedexperience and advancing the airports long-term goals left a scheduled service to Atlanta; Chicago; Dallas; Las Vegas;lasting impact. Portland, OR; and Salt Lake City. U.S. Rep. Jim Costa, who has served the San Joaquin Valley Martin Hahle, an architect and principalin Washington, D.C. for more than 20 years, praises Thompson with CSHQA who has worked on jobs atfor being instrumental in strengthening the regions transportation FAT for more than two decades, notes thatinfrastructure.Thompson leveraged artwork to create a sense of place while simultaneously providing functional benefits.MARTIN HAHLEA lot of airports are trying to make an iconic statement with their exterior designs, Hahle says. In Fresno, theyre all about the passenger experience and amenities within the facility.He points to a river motif in the new terrazzoScottsdale Airport, AZflooring as an example. Its meandering pattern references the local San Joaquin River while creating a sense of flow among passengers, Hahle explains. It also blends into a floor medallion by local artist Ruth Soderlund called Valley Harvest, which depicts fruits and nuts grown on farms throughout the nearby region and inspires pride among travelers with ties to the local agriculture trade, he adds.Mojave Air & Space Port, CAElsewhere, a floor-to-ceiling mural titled Fresno AirportA Welcoming Adventure, byWillow Run Airport, MISan Joaquin Valley artists Colleen Mitchell-Veyna and Kesley Gilles, is displayed near the security checkpoint, while a multistory mosaic piece called We Have Arrived, by artist Caleb Duarte, was added to the facade of FATs parking structure last summer. Henry really cared for this terminal and how to give it some identity, how to reflect the flavors and cultures and diversity of the Central Valley, Partida says, adding that the many murals beautify the holdrooms and bring really special meanings to the spaces.Beyond aesthetic touches, Thompson sought to incorporate authentic local foods into FATs expanded dining program.Advancing airports with That attracted Mad Duck Craft Brewing Co., a Fresno-based gastropub, and Losvision and precision.Amigos Mexican Restaurant, which runs a 2,000-square-foot eatery through a licensingmeadhunt.com/aviationagreement with SSP America, the airports food and beverage concessionaire.AirportImprovement.comMarch | April 2026'