News Summary
Clark County has appointed James Chrisley as the new director of aviation, succeeding Rosemary Vassiliadis. With over 30 years of experience, Chrisley is set to oversee five airports, focusing on enhancing airline services and supporting tourism. Despite a decline in passenger volume at Harry Reid International Airport, he remains optimistic about future growth and is leading expansions to improve facilities, including a multimillion-dollar renovation project. His leadership is pivotal for navigating the challenges ahead in the aviation sector.
Las Vegas – Clark County has announced the appointment of James Chrisley as the new director of aviation, taking over from Rosemary Vassiliadis, who retired after a decade of service. Chrisley, with over 30 years of experience in airport and security operations, will now oversee an aviation network that includes five airports and generates more than $35 billion annually for the local economy.
Harry Reid International Airport, the principal airport under the County’s jurisdiction, has recently reported a 4.4% decline in passenger volume for 2024, totaling approximately 32.4 million passengers thus far this year. Despite this downturn, Chrisley holds a positive outlook, asserting that passenger counts are cyclical and expects a rebound in tourism later this year or in 2025.
To bolster air service to the region, Chrisley is spearheading initiatives aimed at recruiting airlines. He plans to collaborate with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority at the upcoming Routes World 2025 in Hong Kong. A key focus will be on reestablishing nonstop flights between Japan and Las Vegas, a market seen as having significant untapped potential.
Under his leadership, Harry Reid International Airport has seen expansions including the recent opening of a Capital One lounge, which has drawn considerable visitor interest. Additionally, plans are in place for a new Chase Sapphire Lounge, set to debut at the airport’s C gates by the end of this year, as well as an American Express “sidecar lounge”.
Chrisley, who has a background as a squadron commander in the U.S. Air Force, brings not only leadership experience but also skills in logistics and engineering to his role. His vision for the airport includes a multimillion-dollar expansion and renovation project aimed at optimizing the facility’s operational footprint. This modernization effort will work to increase the number of gates at Terminal 1 from 39 to 65 and enhance terminal infrastructure to improve passenger flow.
In addition to these improvements, studies are underway to assess the potential for a supplemental airport in the Ivanpah Valley, considering environmental impacts as part of the planning process. With major upcoming events such as the Las Vegas Grand Prix and Super Bowl LVIII, which Chrisley oversaw preparations for, a surge in passenger traffic is expected, emphasizing the importance of these infrastructure enhancements.
However, recent developments, such as Spirit Airlines‘ recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, could influence passenger services. Despite this setback, other airlines are reportedly prepared to step in and fill potential gaps in service.
As the aviation sector faces challenges from declining sales in the local tourism market, Chrisley is dedicated to enhancing the customer experience at airport facilities. His calm and thoughtful leadership style is expected to guide the Department of Aviation in navigating the complexities of modern air travel while maintaining high operational standards.
In 2024, Clark County’s airports reached a record 58.4 million passengers, reflecting the critical role that aviation plays in the region’s economy. As Chrisley steps into his new position, his comprehensive focus on innovation, tourism revival, and customer experience will shape the future of aviation in Clark County.
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Additional Resources
- Review Journal: Untapped Market for Flights
- Wikipedia: Harry Reid International Airport
- Nevada Independent: Reid Renovation Plans
- Google Search: Las Vegas International Airport
- Las Vegas Sun: New Director of Aviation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aviation
- Travel Weekly: Leadership Reflections
- Google News: Aviation Industry News
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LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
