In this two part interview, Augusta CEO sits down with Herbert Judon, the new Executive Director of the Augusta Regional Airport. According to Cedric Johnson, Chairman, Augusta Aviation Commission, "Herbert stood out as the best match for the Augusta Regional Airport as we move forward.” 

Judon has more than 20 years of experience in aviation. A majority of his experience comes from his time at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Judon is a combat veteran who began his military career serving six years, active duty in the Marine Corps and currently serves in the Army Reserves.  

During his time in the Reserves, Judon has served a tour during Operation Iraqi Freedom as Commander of an Army Transportation Company. He said being a part of the Army Reserves is important to him because it’s a great way to continue his service to our country.

He began his career in aviation because the move seemed like a logical transition due to his military experience

Part one of Augusta CEO’s interview will cover Judon’s background and experience during the rapid expansion of Charlotte’s airport as well as the current state of aviation in the CSRA.

How many years were you at Charlotte Douglas International airport, and what were your roles?

“I started in 1991 in Charlotte—actually I left for few years during my time there, but most of my career was at Charlotte. I started in entry level positions working in operations and in the ground transportation area. I went on to serve as a facilities manager, an operations manager and later in executive positions working my way up the ladder within the organization.” 

Many executives with aspirations in the aviation industry move around frequently, but you stayed in Charlotte. Why?

“Most executives in aviation and government type jobs kind of bounce around; especially if they are aspiring for a high level role. But Charlotte had a unique culture. The former director at Charlotte was director from 1989 to 2013 and many of the key staff in Charlotte were there for a very long tenure. That is very unusual in our industry. A lot of people that stayed were local people that wanted to remain in Charlotte. In my case, I became comfortable with the city and the airport. I was able to gain valuable experience and I continued to progress in my career. I guess I didn’t feel the need to leave. I did have other opportunities, but I chose to stay in Charlotte.”

What was it like seeing the rapid growth of aviation in Charlotte?

“Today, Charlotte is ranked the sixth busiest airport in the country. They had 45 million passengers go through their airport in 2015. That’s a large number in relation to the city’s size. 

“In the ‘90s, it was emerging, but it was nothing like what it is today. They added a new terminal building and then a large atrium--I got to see that happen. I saw the expansion of the terminal along with a new rental car facility and a new runway. I saw the evolution of the airlines as well … like seeing Piedmont become a subsidiary of US Airways and then US Airways merging with America West and finally merging with American Airlines. All the airline mergers and growth impacted Charlotte as well.

“Charlotte was well positioned after 9-11, serving as the hub for American Airlines (then US Airways) (making) it the largest hub on the Atlantic Coast. 

Do you see similarities between the CSRA market and the Charlotte market?

“Yes and no. I see Augusta as a region that is bursting at the seams. It has a lot of potential but not every city is a hub and I don’t have that expectation (for Augusta). But, I do see potential for growth. Augusta is not the same size as Charlotte, but I see the same potential and plan to take the same trajectory as Charlotte did 20 years ago… The airport has potential to grow if we make wise decisions.”  

Generally, how does a strong airport and economic development collaborate in cities to further growth? 

“The terms that I use are interdependence and reciprocal. From a passenger standpoint, an airport is a transportation hub to get people to and from different cities. … However, an airport can also have a huge economic impact on a region. Augusta Regional Airport has a $270 million annual economic impact on its community with many high paying jobs on the airport and in supporting industries. Many companies considering expansion or relocation of their facilities must have a viable airport to transport their management teams, customers, employees and suppliers and AGS provides excellent connectivity for these companies. 

“Additionally, the Airport is in a strategic position to become an intermodal hub, being adjacent to the Savannah River, the Norfolk Southern Railroad and having great access to the interstate highway system.”

“As far as reciprocal … the community benefits from a strong airport and the airport needs community support. It’s important to note that in order for us to reach our full potential, the community must support the Augusta Regional Airport as often as possible. 

What can you tell our readers about the current state of aviation in the CSRA from your vantage point?

“We are doing well, increasing our passenger numbers by 100% over the last 10 years. We have had strong growth but I believe we can do even better. There is tremendous potential with the growing industries in our area, including the military and the private sector, to continue growing our airport. We have work to do, but we are doing well and I’m proud of our accomplishments.   

Part two of this interview will focus on Judon’s vision along with the challenges and opportunities in the CSRA.