Propeller Taps Airline Veteran Van de Ven in Strategic Airport Play

SEATTLE, Jan. 15, 2026 -- Propeller Airports, the developer behind the award-winning passenger terminal at Seattle Paine Field, has appointed former Southwest Airlines President and COO Mike Van de Ven to its Board of Directors. The move is being seen as a significant strategic play, signaling a deeper integration of airline operational knowledge into the fabric of airport infrastructure development.

Van de Ven, a 30-year veteran of the airline industry, brings a wealth of experience from his time helping steer Southwest's growth into the largest domestic carrier in the United States. His appointment is expected to provide Propeller with an invaluable insider's perspective on the needs of its primary customers—the airlines—as the company continues to identify and develop airport projects across the country.

A Strategic Infusion of Airline Expertise

Propeller Airports has built its reputation on a public-private partnership (P3) model that aims to deliver innovative and efficient airport facilities, exemplified by its work at Seattle Paine Field (PAE). The terminal, which opened in 2019, quickly earned accolades, including being called "the best airport in the United States" by CNN Travel, for its passenger-focused design and upscale amenities. The appointment of Van de Ven suggests a doubling-down on this strategy, focusing not just on the passenger but on the operational mechanics that make an airport successful for its airline partners.

During his tenure at Southwest, Van de Ven held broad responsibility for nearly every facet of airline operations, from fleet planning and labor negotiations to safety management and day-to-day operational oversight. This deep, granular understanding of how an airline functions is precisely the expertise that can transform how an airport is designed. An executive with his background can provide critical insights into optimizing gate configurations for faster turnarounds, designing efficient ground support equipment pathways, and creating terminal flows that align with an airline's specific operational model, such as Southwest's famous point-to-point network.

"Mike's unparalleled operational expertise, governance experience, and understanding of complex transportation systems make him an exceptional addition to our Board," said Brett Smith, CEO of Propeller Airports, in a statement. "His perspective will be invaluable as we continue to develop innovative, high-performing airport infrastructure that delivers long-term value for communities, partners, and investors."

This move is particularly potent given Propeller's partnership with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), now part of BlackRock. GIP's investment strategy focuses on long-term value creation through operational improvements in its assets. Adding a director with Van de Ven's proven track record in optimizing large-scale transportation operations aligns perfectly with this goal, reinforcing the company's ability to execute complex projects that are both financially sound and operationally superior.

From Point-to-Point to a New Point of View

Mike Van de Ven’s legacy at Southwest Airlines is one of navigating both tremendous growth and profound industry crises. He was a key leader during the acquisition of AirTran Airways, the launch of international service to Mexico and the Caribbean, and the complex certification process for Southwest's expansion to Hawaii. His leadership was also critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he managed the operational response to a near-total collapse in revenue and implemented new safety and cleaning protocols across the airline.

His experience extends far beyond crisis management. Van de Ven was instrumental in fleet modernization efforts, including the introduction of the Boeing 737-800 and 737-8 aircraft. This background in fleet planning is directly applicable to Propeller's work, as airport infrastructure must constantly adapt to the changing size and technical requirements of modern aircraft.

Beyond his operational credentials, Van de Ven brings significant public-company governance experience. He has served on the board of Comerica Bank since 2016 and joined the board of Keurig Dr Pepper in 2025, chairing key committees at both. This, combined with his background as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), adds a robust layer of financial and strategic oversight to Propeller's board, strengthening its capacity to manage large-scale investments and navigate complex financial structures inherent in airport development.

Redefining Regional Airports for the Next Era

Propeller's mission focuses on identifying "untapped potential" for commercial air travel, a goal that often leads to regional airports. These airports are vital for connecting smaller communities and reducing congestion at major hubs, but they often face financial constraints and struggle to attract service. The pandemic exacerbated these challenges, though it also highlighted their essential role in national connectivity.

The appointment of an airline strategist like Van de Ven is a clear signal that Propeller intends to tackle this market by building airports that airlines want to fly into. By creating highly efficient, low-cost operating environments, Propeller can make a stronger business case for airlines to add service to underserved markets. The success at Paine Field, which attracted Alaska Airlines and saw a 23% annual growth in passenger count since 2020, serves as a powerful proof of concept. Even with post-pandemic challenges like pilot shortages and a strategic shift by airlines toward leisure destinations, the fundamental value proposition of a well-run regional airport remains strong.

Van de Ven’s expertise is particularly relevant as the industry evolves. His current role as an Executive Advisor to Southwest focuses on two of the most disruptive forces in aviation: advanced aircraft mobility and next-generation propulsion systems. This forward-looking perspective directly complements Propeller’s ambition to be at the forefront of airport innovation.

Preparing for Advanced Air Mobility

The aviation industry is on the cusp of a new revolution with the emergence of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), a category that includes electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, often called "air taxis." While still in development, these technologies promise to transform urban and regional transportation. However, they cannot operate without the proper ground infrastructure—a network of "vertiports" for takeoff, landing, and charging.

This is where Van de Ven's advisory work on AAM becomes a strategic asset for Propeller. His insights into the operational requirements and business models for these next-generation aircraft can guide Propeller in designing and investing in the airport infrastructure of tomorrow. The company is already expanding its footprint at Paine Field with a new Fixed Base Operator (FBO) terminal and hangar complex through its subsidiary, Propeller Aero Services, demonstrating its commitment to serving diverse aviation needs.

Developing infrastructure for AAM is a complex undertaking, requiring careful planning for high-capacity electric charging, integration with existing air traffic control, and collaboration with regulators. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is already working on its "Innovate28" plan to enable AAM operations in the U.S. by 2028. By bringing Van de Ven onto its board, Propeller is positioning itself not just as a developer of today's airports, but as a key enabler of the next generation of air travel, backed by the formidable capital and infrastructure expertise of its partners at GIP and BlackRock. His appointment is a clear statement that the company is looking beyond the current runway and toward the skies of the future.