North Austin News

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is marking its 25th anniversary, reflecting on its growth and the innovative solutions implemented to meet increasing regional demand. Chief Development Officer Shane Harbinson, a long-time member of AUS, shares insights into the airport's journey and future plans.

Harbinson's association with AUS began in early 1999 at the original Austin airport, Robert Mueller. He started as an Airport Operations Coordinator before transitioning to the Planning and Engineering team as a Noise Officer. Over the years, he has held various roles, including Airport Planner and assistant director overseeing development. "It's gone by so fast. I still remember my first day on the job. The AUS journey is pretty personal to me," Harbinson remarked.

Harbinson played a significant role in launching the Journey With AUS expansion program. "It was really just assisting Jennifer Williams and Lyn Estabrook; they did the Master Plan," he explained. His efforts included helping secure environmental approvals necessary for progressing with expansion projects, especially during COVID-19 when maintaining project timelines was crucial.

The impetus behind Journey With AUS was Austin's rapid growth and increasing infrastructure demands. Harbinson noted that "the infrastructure capacity was a constraint with what the demands are." Collaborating with stakeholders and financial consultants, they determined feasible scopes to meet community needs.

The expansion aims to enhance connectivity within Austin while accommodating more airline services and destinations. "Putting the infrastructure in allows the capacity for us to grow more airline services and give those new destinations many national or international destinations," said Harbinson.

Reflecting on his return to AUS after a brief hiatus, Harbinson observed significant advancements in the expansion program. "The building blocks of where elements were going to be located based on need were developed," he stated. The program now has clearer definitions of costs and required enabling projects.

Among memorable projects from his tenure, Harbinson highlighted the Noise Mitigation Program as particularly impactful due to its community-centric approach. "We got to meet the families that are around the airport and experience their appreciation of the City working with them to get relocation," he recalled.

Looking ahead, Harbinson envisions continued development following this phase of expansion: "When it’s complete there will be another Master Plan that picks up." He emphasizes setting up future teams for success by creating methodical plans that facilitate seamless implementation of subsequent expansions.