Twenty managers from North Carolina public-use airports received inaugural North Carolina Airport Professional credentials.

The program recognizes airport professionals who have completed courses required in the Division's Airport Leadership and Management Program. The credentials were awarded by the N.C. Department of Transportation Division of Aviation. 

"North Carolina's 72 public airports are big businesses for our state, collectively generating more than $61 billion in annual economic impact," said Bobby Walston, director of the NCDOT Division of Aviation. "By earning this credential, these 20 people have demonstrated they know what it takes to develop and operate these high-impact airport facilities effectively, meet the highest standards of safety, serve their local communities and support a strong statewide air transportation system."

The Airports Leadership and Management Program was established in 2018 with a 12-course program of the Division's N.C. Airport Technical Assistance Program, which provides technical assistance and professional development programs that support management and operations at state public-use airports.

Out of the twenty managers, Harnett Regional Jetport Director Barry Blevins was included. 

The Harnett Regional Jetport provides a significant economic return to the Harnett County community and the state of North Carolina. 

According to the jetport's 2020 airport economic impact report, the jetport had 710 jobs, $4.4M in personal income, $6.02M in state and local taxes, and $190M in economic output.