All Good Things …

One short month after launching a vast and lovely new terminal at Kansas City International Airport (MCI), the Super Bowl-winning city’s aviation director has announced his retirement.

Kansas City Aviation Director Pat Klein stated he plans to retire at the end of May 2023, thereby bringing to an end his quarter-century of distinguished service to the Paris of the Plains and its people.

During his time as director, Mr. Klein oversaw all management, development, operation, and maintenance of both Kansas City International Airport and the municipality’s Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC).

Prior to his 2016 appointment to the station of aviation director under former Kansas City Manager Troy Schulte. Mr. Klein was an assistant city manager, serving as a liaison to the aviation department.

Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas declared in a prepared statement: “Since he came to City Hall over 25 years ago, Pat Klein has been an example of Kansas City employees at their very best: hardworking, humble, diligent, and successful.”

Mayor Lucas further praised Klein, asserting the latter had driven the talks from which MCI’s new terminal arose from partisan debates to meaningful conversations addressing the best means by which to provide Kansas City and its citizens a world-class aviation facility.

In his retirement announcement, Mr. Klein confided that his most rewarding and cherished accomplishments include the opening of MCI’s new terminal and the corresponding record number of operations the airport has experienced since.

Mr. Klein remarked: “The last seven years as Aviation Director have been the most challenging and rewarding of my career. While I will enjoy some time off, I will look forward to the next chapter in my life—the passion projects and challenges that await.”

Current Kansas City Manager Brian Platt set forth that the city plans to hold a national search to fill the departing Mr. Klein’s position.

FMI: www.flykc.com