In our latest feature, we explore the dynamic world of small and regional airports through the eyes of Nyika Allen, Senior Director of Global Operational Excellence at Vantage Group. Nyika leads the charge in enhancing operational and guest service excellence across Vantage’s global network.

Small and regional airports play a crucial role in connecting communities, supporting local economies, and providing essential services. Nyika shares her insights on the diverse and exciting environment of these airports, highlighting the innovative solutions and strategies that help them thrive despite limited resources. From regulatory challenges to commercial programming, Nyika’s expertise sheds light on the vital importance of these airports and their impact on the broader region.

Our Fast Five interview covers:

1. Nyika’s career journey and how she got into aviation
2. Highlights of working with regional airports
3. Keys to a successful partnership
4. Guest experience trends
5. Her favorite part of working at Vantage

How did you get into aviation? Did you always want to work in this industry?

I’ve always loved to travel. I got my international management degree, but didn’t quite know how that would translate to a career path. I was working in the technology industry, and I had the opportunity to go into government. From there, I became the Director of Aviation for the City of Albuquerque.

I was new to aviation, and I learned quickly. I fell in love with the industry and became really passionate about what we do and found a lot of purpose in it. I went on to work as the Assistant Director of Aviation at the Port of Oakland, overseeing strategic planning and revenue generation at Oakland International Airport, before coming to Vantage Group, where I lead the development of operational and guest service excellence and advisory services across the network.

What are some of the highlights of working with regional airports?

When working with regional airports, no two days are the same. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, which is exciting. It’s like running your own mini city, which makes it a really unique environment.

At Vantage, we work with airports on everything from regulatory challenges and rewriting airport security programs to helping them with commercial programming, identifying new revenue generating spaces, and more.

There are challenges, too: smaller airports often have more limited resources, which means they have to learn about many different aspects of management and aviation, and the teams have to work quickly and be nimble. This work comes with so many learning opportunities; you really develop broad expertise.

For me, working with these smaller airports is such an exciting proposition. There are so many opportunities to not only positively impact the airport facility itself, but also the local community and broader region. Many regional airports are a critical connection – and in some cases, the only one — for local industry, tourism and more. Knowing our work will make a difference for years to come is so rewarding.

What makes for a successful partnership for Vantage’s advisory services team?

I like to say that no problem is too big or too small for our team. Some of our most successful projects have been with partners who were open to new ideas and to looking at things differently. This idea of mutual support and mutual benefit is what we strive for when we seek out new opportunities.

What are some trends you’re seeing in guest experience?

Over the past few years, airports, particularly in the U.S., have been approaching the guest experience in a different way. These airports have historically been looked at as just a place to transit through, with less emphasis on the overall guest experience.

More recently, I’ve noticed airports pay greater attention to the guest experience and their part in enhancing the journey. They’re starting to realize the importance of creating a seamless transition from one area to the next and making someone’s experience, no matter where in the airport they are, a positive one. This is done in part by adding memorable touches, like local dining and shopping options and custom artwork.

What’s your favorite part of working at Vantage?

I love my job! I have the privilege of working alongside some of the best and brightest minds in the industry. I love how, as an organization, we’re not siloed. We all work quite well together across the board, which allows us to be creative.

I’m passionate about building a better tomorrow for airports, and the guest experience is important to me as a frequent passenger myself. I’m really proud to work for a company that takes that so seriously. The way that we make people feel when they’re in one of our facilities is something they’ll potentially remember forever — that’s something we take to heart.

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