How Aviation Leadership And Community Collaboration Propel The Industry Forward

Lew Bleiweis is President and CEO of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority, and is a true trailblazer at the helm of one of the most dynamic airports in the region. From overseeing record-breaking passenger growth to navigating the unprecedented challenges of natural disasters like Helene, Lew has seen it all, and then some. He shares the highs and lows of 2024, including exciting new air service routes, cutting-edge infrastructure upgrades, and the airport’s heroic role in disaster relief. We also look ahead to 2025, a year brimming with promise as airlines return to pre-Helene levels, new airport projects, and how the aviation industry continues its climb toward greater heights. None of this progress would be possible without the resilience, support, and patience of the community, proving that when travelers, leaders, and teams come together, the sky’s the limit.