Serving through its Board and high-quality, professional staff, it is the continuing goal of FMAA to provide a proficient and welcoming airport environment – safely, efficiently, professionally, continuously.
Flathead Municipal Airport Authority (FMAA) is the owner and operator of Glacier Park International Airport. FMAA’s Board of Directors is composed of seven members, each appointed by the Flathead County Commissioners. The Airport Authority functions as an independent public agency and is responsible for numerous responsibilities: immediate and long-range maintenance of the airport premises, management of finances and budgeting, hiring and long-term planning. In addition, FMAA governs all routine aspects of management of the airport facilities, including the terminal building, grounds, and airfield. Aircraft operations, concessions, air traffic control, and security checkpoint operations are all conducted by other organizations.
Under direction of the Board, the airport functions much like a small city. FMAA employs an airport director along with a deputy and administrative staff, IT, finance and development staff, fire and police departments, an experienced, well-trained maintenance wing. Serving together, each of the departments manage critical and specific operations. The fire department provides fire suppression and emergency medical services and is simultaneously responsible for the regular, rigorous inspection of the airfield. Airport police provide general security of airport grounds (excluding duties reserved to TSA and Customs), while the Maintenance staff is responsible for upkeep of the airport’s buildings, grounds, and vehicles. Many crucial tasks fall to them, including runway maintenance, snow removal and other tasks essential to airport safety. FMAA currently employs a staff of thirty-five dedicated airport professionals. A one year Airport Operations internship is available for those pursuing a career in the airport management profession.
FMAA also contracts for services critical to airport auxiliary operations (car rentals, parking, amenities, ground transportation, etc.). Finally, and perhaps its most important non-safety role, the Authority oversees upgrades or expansions to the airport. Through review and implementation of the Airport Master Plan, it is their task to prepare for the airport’s future.