Accreditation Overview

ACCREDITATION PROGRAM

Advance Your Career Through Professional Accreditation

The IAAE Canada Accreditation Program offers two nationally recognized professional designations. The Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) is for professionals employed by an airport or airport authority, while the Accredited Airport Professional (A.A.P.) is for professionals working with organizations that serve Canada’s airport industry.

Both designations are earned through a structured program of learning, mentorship and assessment. Along the way, candidates strengthen their expertise, expand their professional networks and demonstrate the knowledge, leadership and commitment needed to excel in Canada’s airport industry.

Earning your A.A.E. or A.A.P. is a respected mark of professional achievement and a meaningful demonstration of your commitment to professional excellence and lifelong learning.

A.A.E. & A.A.P. PROGRAMS

IN THEIR OWN WORDS: THE VALUE OF IAAE CANADA ACCREDITATION

Sara Stevens, A.A.E.

The IAAE Canada accreditation process expanded my interest in the industry as a profession and led to my participation in the ACI AMPAP program and achievement of the International Airport Professional designation. Together, these designations and relationships have enhanced how I lead, bringing greater context, collaboration and strategic insight to complex operational and organizational challenges.

—Sara Stevens, A.A.E, MBA, IAP/Manager, Health, Safety, Security & Environment, Fort McMurray Airport Authority
Rob Beynon, A.A.P.

The program challenged and expanded my professional knowledge. The accreditation has also given me immediate credibility when speaking to potential clients and professionals in other countries and other industries. The process has therefore opened new business opportunities and made dealmaking quicker.

—Rob Beynon, A.A.P., President, Operations, Economics Inc., Vancouver, BC
Parm Sidhu, A.A.E.

The program reinforced the value of continuous learning and collaboration across the aviation sector and influenced how I approach leadership, while supporting the growth of our airport and the community we serve. ! also became connected to a strong network of aviation professionals, which is invaluable in helping advance the success of Canada's airports.

—Parm Sidhu, A.A.E., Airport General Manager, Abbotsford International Airport, Abbotsford, BC
Sam Sammadar, A.A.E.

This experience provided me with a much deeper appreciation and comprehension of the entire airport ecosystem and the vital connections that exist within it. Participation in the program enabled me to become the CEO of an airport and to provide leadership within the industry.

—Sam Samaddar, A.A.E., HonBA, Chief Executive Officer I, Kelowna International Airport, Kelowna, BC
Audrey Wilson, A.A.E.

Earning and maintaining the lAAE accreditation has validated my aviation academics and work experience within the industry. It has provided me the opportunity to build a nation-wide peer network that not only provides valuable references but also professional support.

—Audrey Wilson, A.A.E., Specialist, Airport Operations, Southport Aerospace Centre Inc., Southport, MB
Akinwumi Akindele, A.A.E.

Having the AAE designation has increased my confidence when collaborating with colleagues within my organization, professionals across the airport and aviation sector and stakeholders in both the public and private sectors.

—Akinwumi Akindele, A.A.E., M.ASc, PMP, P.Eng., Assistant Director, Transportation Department, Kativik Regional, Government, Kuujjuaq, QC
Bryan Avery, A.A.E.

The program reinforced a more deliberate leadership style, one that emphasizes compliance, risk-based thinking and long-term planning while developing teams and fostering collaboration. The accreditation has elevated the standard I hold myself to and the way I work with greater confidence, clarity and professionalism in every aspect of my career.

—Bryan Avery, A.A.E., Airport Manager, North Bay Jack Garland Airport, North Bay, ON
Randy Chessie, A.A.E.

By acquiring the A.A.E. designation, I achieved something I never imagined possible back when I was working as an airport electrician. I learned that stepping out of my comfort zone leads to growth and opportunity. Seeing the certificate on my wall now serves as a constant reminder to embrace challenges, take chances and continually push myself to improve.

—Randall Chessie, A.A.E., Manager of Operations and Safety, Fredericton International Airport Authority, Lincoln, NB
RJ Steenstra, A.A.E.

Becoming accredited through the lAAE program has been valuable both professionally and for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, owned and operated by the Toronto Port Authority. The program has strengthened our connections across the industry and created new opportunities for leadership and collaboration. The designation reinforces to our partners and stakeholders our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in airport management.
—RJ Steenstra, A.A.E., President and CEO, Toronto Port Authority, Toronto, ON
Jenna Geris, A.A.E.

Although my bachelor's degree is in a non-aviation field, earning my A.A.E. has reinforced my expertise and deepened my commitment to excellence within the aviation industry. This credential has propelled my career and placed me shoulder to shoulder with aviation program graduates at Canada's busiest airport, an achievement I'm truly proud of.
‍ ‍

—Jenna Geris, A.A.E., BA, Manager, Resource Management Unit, Mississauga, Greater Toronto Airports Authority, ON