Lew Bleiweis, President & CEO of AVIL Distinguished Service Award
Sep 03, 2026 08:31AM ● By WNC Business
AAAE Chair Marshall Stevens, A.A.E. presented Asheville Regional Airport President & CEO Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E. with the American Association of Airport Executives Distinguished Service Award during the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority Board meeting on August 17, 2026.
Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., President & CEO of Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), has received the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Distinguished Service Award, one of the organization’s highest levels of recognition.
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes airport professionals for outstanding accomplishments and service to the aviation industry throughout their careers. AAAE represents more than 12,000 aviation professionals, and only one or two Distinguished Service Awards are presented each year. Bleiweis was presented the award by AAAE Chair Marshall Stevens, A.A.E., during the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority Board meeting on August 14, 2026.
“Over the course of a nearly four-decade career in aviation, Lew has established himself as a respected airport executive, industry leader and dedicated advocate for the airport profession,” said Stevens. “His career reflects a sustained commitment to strengthening airports, advancing the profession and serving the communities that depend on them. This award reflects the respect and admiration of his colleagues across the country for the leadership and service he has demonstrated throughout his career."
Bleiweis joined the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority in 2008 as Deputy Airport Director and was promoted to lead the organization the following year. Under his leadership, AVL has experienced significant growth, evolving from a non-hub airport to a thriving small hub serving millions of travelers each year. During his tenure, the airport has also strengthened its financial position while undertaking more than $750 million in capital expansion projects designed to prepare AVL to serve the region well into the future.
“This recognition is truly a reflection of the people I have had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career,” said Bleiweis. “I am especially proud of the team at Asheville Regional Airport and what we have accomplished together for Western North Carolina. Airports are about much more than airplanes and infrastructure — they connect and serve communities, and it has been an honor to spend my career contributing to that mission.”
Source: AVL.
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes airport professionals for outstanding accomplishments and service to the aviation industry throughout their careers. AAAE represents more than 12,000 aviation professionals, and only one or two Distinguished Service Awards are presented each year. Bleiweis was presented the award by AAAE Chair Marshall Stevens, A.A.E., during the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority Board meeting on August 14, 2026.
“Over the course of a nearly four-decade career in aviation, Lew has established himself as a respected airport executive, industry leader and dedicated advocate for the airport profession,” said Stevens. “His career reflects a sustained commitment to strengthening airports, advancing the profession and serving the communities that depend on them. This award reflects the respect and admiration of his colleagues across the country for the leadership and service he has demonstrated throughout his career."
Bleiweis joined the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority in 2008 as Deputy Airport Director and was promoted to lead the organization the following year. Under his leadership, AVL has experienced significant growth, evolving from a non-hub airport to a thriving small hub serving millions of travelers each year. During his tenure, the airport has also strengthened its financial position while undertaking more than $750 million in capital expansion projects designed to prepare AVL to serve the region well into the future.
“This recognition is truly a reflection of the people I have had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career,” said Bleiweis. “I am especially proud of the team at Asheville Regional Airport and what we have accomplished together for Western North Carolina. Airports are about much more than airplanes and infrastructure — they connect and serve communities, and it has been an honor to spend my career contributing to that mission.”
Source: AVL.