Indianapolis International (IND) veteran Robert Duncan has taken over
the role as executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority.
Duncan had been serving as the IAA’s interim director since March, when
former executive director John Clark resigned.
Duncan first joined the IAA in 1973 and has served in various roles,
including general counsel and chief operating officer for the IAA. He
was closely involved with planning for the Indianapolis International
Airport’s new Midfield Terminal and other land and economic development
initiatives.
Clark’s departure in March came amidst criticism about excessive travel
and entertainment expenditures and lack of progress in developing
airport property. Michael Wells, president of the IAA board, praised
Duncan’s experience. “He has demonstrated expertise in virtually all
areas of airport operations and strategic development in prior positions
with the IAA, and he has provided sound leadership in his most recent
position as airport director,” Wells says.
Duncan says his long experience in aviation has prepared him to address
the challenges facing the airport and the aviation industry. He signaled
some changes going forward.
“My immediate goals are to get back to the roots of running an airport
as a first priority by focusing on what is important in maintaining the
airport infrastructure, [and] continual development of the authority’s
workforce by encouraging open and frank conversation with me so that I
am directly aware of how our workforce regards and perceives
management,” Duncan says.
“It is extremely important to me to achieve the highest level of
credibility with our workforce so they are confident in management’s
decisions and the reasons for those decisions,” Duncan adds. He also
wants to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and to attract new air service
and additional sources of non-aeronautical revenue.
Duncan says one of his key goals is to expand cargo activity. As FedEx’s
second-largest hub, Duncan says IND can “build upon our successes
helping develop time and temperature sensitive air cargo activity.” He
also has plans for a facility currently in use by the United States
Postal Service. “We are looking at a reuse of this facility when it
reverts to the airport authority in November to encourage direct,
point-to-point specialized international cargo carriers to use the
advantages of Indianapolis International Airport,” Duncan says.
He adds, “The airport authority has just initiated a new master plan
process to be completed over the next 18 months to determine what the
airport’s aeronautical needs will be for the next 20-30 years, the
results of which will most likely help us identify new opportunities and
challenges.”
