Experienced airport executive Mark Day, P.E., AAE, has joined HDR as a senior aviation consultant and office principal. Day most recently served as the vice president for planning and development for Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky. At the airport, he implemented the facility’s capital improvement program and oversaw planning and engineering efforts, from runway rehabilitations and terminal expansions to rental car and public safety facilities.
Located in HDR’s Lexington office, where he will serve as office principal, Day will work with HDR’s national aviation practice using his broad experience as an airport executive to assist clients globally with their capital program and ongoing operational needs and opportunities. As an accredited airport executive, Day is very familiar with the challenges that airports face.
“I have been focused on aviation for the last 20 years,” Day said. “It’s an exciting time, with new opportunities and innovations in the industry, such as larger aircraft that will improve air mobility efficiency and electrification of landside and airside fleet operations. I’m looking forward to assisting airports around the world as they navigate these trends to effectively manage their capacity, improve passenger experience, reduce their carbon footprint and capitalize on growth opportunities.”
An active participant in the industry, Day has assisted in multiple research efforts for the Transportation Research Board and served since 2015 as an airport expert for Kentuckians for Better Transportation. He also currently serves as board chair for Bluegrass Care Navigators, which helps Lexington-area patients navigate hospice care.
“Mark’s perspective as an airport executive will be invaluable for our clients,” said HDR Aviation Director Bill Peduzzi. “His understanding of airport needs and insights into the challenges faced on a daily basis will make him a strong partner as airports plan for new investments, implement current projects, and craft new growth strategies for their complex facilities and the communities they serve.”
