#USA #Seattle #Southwest Airlines #Mike Van de Ven #Propeller Airports

Propeller Airports Welcomes Mike Van de Ven to Its Board

Propeller Airports has made significant waves in the aviation sector. In a recent announcement, the company revealed that Mike Van de Ven, the former President and Chief Operating Officer of Southwest Airlines, is joining its Board of Directors. With over three decades of experience in the airline industry, Van de Ven is expected to bring invaluable insights and expertise that will empower Propeller Airports as it navigates its growth trajectory.

Career Highlights

Mike Van de Ven has played a crucial role at Southwest Airlines during his tenure, helping the airline earn its place as the largest domestic carrier in the United States by passenger numbers. His extensive experience spans various facets of the aviation business, including operations, strategic planning, and safety management. He has been involved in everything from fleet management to labor negotiations and regulatory compliance.

One of his notable contributions has been in handling the complexities of airline operations during critical periods, such as the International expansion of Southwest Airlines and the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expertise in Governance

In addition to his operational prowess, Van de Ven possesses substantial public company governance experience. He has been a valuable member of the Board of Directors at Comerica Bank since 2016, where he chairs the Governance, Compensation, and Nominating Committee. Recently, in 2025, he also took a position on the Board of Directors for Keurig Dr Pepper, chairing their Audit and Finance Committee. His governance experience will undoubtedly be an asset for Propeller Airports as they continue to develop and innovate.

Vision for Propeller Airports

Brett Smith, CEO of Propeller Airports, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “Mike’s unrivaled operational expertise, governance background, and understanding of complex transportation systems make him an exceptional addition to our Board.” He believes that Van de Ven's insights will be crucial as the company strives to enhance its airport infrastructure offerings, ultimately aiming to create long-term value for its communities, partners, and investors.

Future Prospects

Propeller Airports aims to discover and harness the untapped potential in commercial air travel by collaborating closely with local communities and government entities to maximize airport assets. With Van de Ven on board, the company is expected to further elevate its approaches in developing and managing both general aviation and commercial service airports across the United States.

Based in Everett, Washington, Propeller Airports is committed to investing in innovative services for travelers in the Puget Sound Region. Working alongside Global Infrastructure Partners, part of BlackRock, they are set to bring best-in-class practices to Seattle Paine Field, improving the travel experience for everyone.

For more information on Propeller Airports and their newest board member, Mike Van de Ven, you can visit Fly Paine Field, Propeller Airports, and Global Infra.