A child’s aviation dream and more

FROM THE GROUND TO THE AIR: Starting his career in airplane mechanics in the U.S. Air Force, Alan R. Andrade has worked his way up literally from the bottom to be in charge of operations for the R.I. Airport Corp. / PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY
FROM THE GROUND TO THE AIR: Starting his career in airplane mechanics in the U.S. Air Force, Alan R. Andrade has worked his way up literally from the bottom to be in charge of operations for the R.I. Airport Corp. / PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, QUASI-GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY

For as long as he can remember, Alan R. Andrade dreamed of being an aircraft mechanic. He grew up in East Providence, in the flight path for Runway 23 of T.F. Green Airport, and could see and hear planes arrive on a regular basis.

Preceded in his Air Force service by his father and two older brothers, the R.I. Airport Corp.’s senior vice president for operations and management saw that as an exciting entrée into the world of aviation, and was soon arms-deep in maintaining F-15s. It was a dream come true.

“I had tunnel vision,” said Andrade, “I wanted to work on planes, never looking at the big picture.”

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That would change at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he was attaining some necessary licensure and would begin to see the broad strokes. Andrade wanted to get his license and get back out into the hangars, but a college dean encouraged him to consider pursuing his bachelor’s degree – and, by extension, a life beyond maintenance, in airport management.

There was a stopover as a store manager at Bridgestone Tire, followed by his first position with RIAC as an airport operations specialist. The father of three young children, he left RIAC after three years for a more livable salary from Stericycle, a bio-hazard treatment plant in Woonsocket.

But RIAC was eager to have him back after a senior specialist in operations retired. From there, with “a little bit of patience and perseverance,” he moved up through the ranks: operations manager, vice president of operations, and now his current role as senior vice president.

The airport brass doesn’t have to reach for words when it comes to praising Andrade’s knowledge, his leadership, and his accomplishments in the organization. Peter A. Frazier, interim president and CEO of RIAC, said the airport was a “safer, more secure, more efficient” place thanks in large part to Andrade’s efforts.

“He’s done the grunt work. And now, he’s doing the white-collar work, and it’s just invaluable to have that breadth of experience. As an organization, we’re proud to give individuals an opportunity for growth,” said Frazier. “And he’s earned it. We’ve tested him, and he’s answered the challenge.”

By all accounts a humble man, Andrade credited his peers and the leadership of RIAC for having confidence in him before he had confidence in himself.

The level of trust can’t be understated, and tests of it have been significant. Frazier pointed out that Andrade’s responsibilities include overseeing (and this is just the tip of the iceberg): a police department, a fire department, operations, building maintenance and airfield maintenance.

“He’s got some very complex things going on. The behind-the-scenes work and federal regulations and environmental compliances are insanely difficult,” Frazier said.

“What defines his value to this organization is that the things he oversees and the people who work for him result in this organization having an operating certificate issued by the FAA, which allows us to [operate],” said Bruce Wilde, vice president operations and maintenance.

These operations include not only the main facility at T.F. Green Airport, but the corporation’s five general airfields across the state. And as if keeping those enterprises running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year weren’t enough, Wilde and Frazier praised Andrade’s drive to continue to grow the airport’s capabilities. This has included international service with carriers TACV and Condor Airlines, installation of an LED lighting upgrade that paid for itself with cost savings in two years. And on the horizon: Andrade is set to be the project manager for the corporation’s $30 million-plus solar energy program, set to generate solar energy at all six airports.

It would seem that, no matter what the job is, in fact, he’s the man for it.

“I’ve pretty much done everything here that I’m asking somebody else to do. It gave me a broader understanding and appreciation for what everybody is doing around me. I don’t take anyone for granted,” said Andrade.

“Everybody has an important role in keeping the machine running, and that’s what I love to try and focus on – making sure that everybody understands the importance of their contribution and their role.” •

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