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Sawyer International Airport’s Duane DuRay has been named Airport Manager of the Year by the Michigan Association of Airport Executives.
He was presented the award at the 66th MAAE Annual Fall Conference “in recognition of his dedicated service to the
aviation industry and the Michigan Association of Airport Executives, and his ongoing commitment to the future success of Sawyer International Airport,” according to MAAE.
DuRay was recognized for his work on projects that continue to improve the airport for passenger flights, safety, and airport improvements including airport runway rehabilitation, several improvement grants, addition of Minneapolis/St. Paul flight option, and moving the airport to a higher level of security.
He was also largely responsible for bringing in approximately $6 million in federal and state funding for airport improvements over the last year. DuRay has also been behind updating the Airport Master Plan, in addition to the day-to-day operations of the Airport.
Steven Schenden, Director of Operations at Sawyer, spoke about DuRay’s responsibilities and said that this award is well deserved. Sawyer International Airport experiences over 100,000 passengers yearly with five commercial flights daily to three of the larger primary aviation hubs – Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis /St. Paul.
DuRay has served as the airport manager since 2012, following his position at Gogebic Iron County Airport. Adding to his aviation experience, he is a licensed aircraft maintenance technician and holds an Inspection Authorization (IS) through the FAA.
