CHICAGO – Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), the trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States and Canada, today announced Anthony Gilmer, Vice President of Air Service Development and Strategic Marketing at the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, as the recipient of the 2026 Air Service Achievement Award. The award was presented during the 2026 JumpStart® Air Service Development Conference in Chicago, IL.

“Throughout his career, Anthony has cultivated meaningful relationships with colleagues, airlines, and the Louisville community as a whole,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “Anthony embodies what it means to be a leader in air service development. During his tenure, he has spearheaded initiatives that have expanded the options and opportunities available to passengers at SDF. His work has raised SDF’s profile across the industry while bringing more competition to the region.”

The Air Service Achievement Award honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to expanding and improving air service. It celebrates leadership, vision, and lasting impact on the industry while promoting a spirit of collaboration and progress.

Gilmer has spent nearly eight years at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, where he has reshaped air service for the region. Under his forward-thinking leadership, the airport has achieved three record years for passenger traffic and air service growth. Gilmer has also changed the way the SDF community views air service by building a coalition of business leaders, tourism partners, and community organizations that advocate on the airport’s behalf.

Gilmer’s recognition with the 2026 Air Service Achievement Award underscores the importance of leadership and relationship building in shaping the future of a community’s air service. His work at SDF has laid the foundation for a long-term air service strategy centered on strengthening the community and making Louisville a top destination.

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