The International Association of Airport Executives is an organization devoted to the interests of the individual in airport management, as well as the advancement of the profession for the benefit of aviation. Since its inception in 1988, the Association has worked to become a professional organization.
Executive members are the nucleus of the present association.
Subsequent admissions into Executive status have been by examination only. This requirement was founded on the concept that knowledge, and the ability to handle the responsibilities of airport management, can only truly be tested by examination. The professional membership requirements consist of an original management presentation on an element of airport management, and comprehensive examinations, both oral and written , comparable to examinations in other professional fields. Such members are eligible to use the initials A.A.E. after their name. In 1988, the accreditation process was further refined into the current Traditional Program.