SEA Airport Names Arif Ghouse New Chief Operating Officer

Ghouse returns to SEA after Directing Paine Field

(SEATTLE) — After a competitive and thorough hiring process, the Port of Seattle has named Arif Ghouse as the new Chief Operating Officer for Seattle-Tacoma Inernational Airport (SEA). The role of COO will lead significant projects and initiatives, including Operational Readiness Activation and Transition, Art and Innovation functions, and will be working closely with all aviation departments to provide guidance and support.

Ghouse is joining SEA after eight successful years as the Airport Director of Paine Field/Snohomish County Airport (PAE) and is joining SEA during a time of historic construction and modernization. The airport is underway with a five-year, $4.3 billion capital project program called Upgrade SEA, a campaign to help passengers prepare for construction impacts from the curb to the gate. This follows the successful openings of major projects in the International Arrivals Facility and the N Concourse Expansion and Modernization.

While overseeing general aviation and managing numerous services for aviation enterprises, including Boeing, Ghouse led the launch of commercial passenger service at Paine Field in 2019. Ghouse has strong leadership experience working closely with airline carriers as well as navigating the unique operational challenges during the height of COVID.

“We are excited to welcome Ghouse back to SEA after continuing to demonstrate his team-oriented leadership and gaining valuable experience in multiple aspects of directing PAE,” said Lance Lyttle, Managing Director, SEA Airport. “Ghouse has stepped into leadership roles in the regional aviation industry that will provide key perspective and aptitude for this new role at SEA.”