The Port of Seattle has appointed Arif Ghouse chief operating officer of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), effective February 21.
As COO, Arif Ghouse will lead substantial projects and initiatives, including operational readiness activation and transition, art and innovation functions, and will work closely with all aviation departments to provide guidance and support, the airport operator said.
Ghouse is joining SEA after eight years as airport director of Paine Field/Snohomish County Airport (PAE) and arrives at the Seattle hub during a time of historic construction and modernisation. The airport is carrying out a five-year, $4.3bn capital project programme called Upgrade SEA. This follows the successful openings of major projects in the International Arrivals Facility and the N Concourse expansion and modernisation.
“We are excited to welcome Arif Ghouse back to SEA after continuing to demonstrate his team-orientated leadership and gaining valuable experience in multiple aspects of directing PAE,” said Lance Lyttle, managing director, SEA Airport. “He has stepped into leadership roles in the regional aviation industry that will provide key perspective and aptitude for this new role at SEA.”
While overseeing general aviation and managing numerous services for aviation enterprises, including Boeing, Ghouse led the launch of commercial passenger service at Paine Field in 2019.
At PAE, Ghouse also implemented a new all-cargo air carrier service, new airport rules and regulations, a new airport management system, a new asset management system, and a new geographic information system. He led the work to update the PAE airport master plan (its first update since 2003).
Ghouse previously worked at SEA and the Port of Seattle, from 2000 – 2014, spending six years leading airport security, and eight years as the director of seaport security/emergency, as well as gaining further operational experience in a short-term assignment as an airport duty manager.
Prior to joining the Port in 2000, Ghouse gained mega hub airport experience during his six years in security and operations at Houston Airport System. He also brings an international perspective, having lived and worked in the UK, with experience at a seven-airport system including London’s three international airports.
Image: Port of Seattle
