The retirement of Rosemary Vassiliadis, Clark County’s director of aviation, marks the end of an era in airport management. Serving nearly three decades in the aviation department and directing operations at Harry Reid Airport in Las Vegas since 2013, Vassiliadis is lauded for her leadership. She will be succeeded by senior aviation director James C. Chrisley.
In a recent interview, Vassiliadis reflected on her tenure, her achievements, and the promising future of the airport system.
Key Accomplishments as Director
Vassiliadis expressed her pride in the collaborative spirit of her team, which comprises department staff, airlines, federal agencies, and industry partners. “Looking at how southern Nevada, particularly Las Vegas, has evolved as a destination, I’m most proud of our ability to keep pace with that growth,” she noted. Vassiliadis recalls the challenges following the events of September 11, 2001, when she oversaw the reopening of the airport, the first large airport to do so post-9/11.
The Shift to a Sports Destination
Las Vegas has evolved into a premier sports hub, significantly impacting passenger traffic at the airport. “The mindset and preferences of travelers have changed dramatically,” Vassiliadis explained. With the Vegas Golden Knights’ arrival in 2017 and the Las Vegas Raiders moving in 2020, the airport has seen an influx of sports fans. The dynamic nature of game days has created varying travel spikes, enriching the airport’s passenger experience.
Future Developments at Harry Reid Airport
The airport is set for a significant expansion and renovation, aimed at modernizing the outdated A and B gates, originally designed in the 1960s. Vassiliadis emphasized the need for efficiency: “These gates didn’t accommodate today’s larger aircraft. Transitioning to a more effective layout like the D gates will improve operations and service,” she stated. The first phase will be constructed on the footprint of the former Terminal 2, which has been cleared for development.
Stakeholder Engagement and Expectations
Regarding the expansion, feedback from stakeholders centered on the need for larger hold rooms that can accommodate contemporary aircraft. Furthermore, airlines requested dedicated lounge spaces, aligning the airport with modern travel trends. Notably, a new lounge has recently opened in Terminal D, with plans for additional lounges in Terminal C.
Innovations at the Airport
Harry Reid Airport has earned the designation of an “Innovation Airport” due to its collaboration with the TSA on technology testing. The airport features the only operational innovation checkpoint in the U.S., providing travelers with access to the latest screening technologies. This initiative positions Harry Reid Airport as a leader in improving traveler experience.
Planning for Future Needs
Looking ahead, plans are underway for the *Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport*, strategically located 30 miles south of the current airport. With its opening projected for 2037, Vassiliadis stressed the importance of designing it to avoid operational disruptions. The development is expected to enhance overall connectivity within the airport system and improve general aviation operations.
As Vassiliadis prepares to hand over the reins, she leaves behind a robust aviation infrastructure ready to adapt to the evolving needs of travelers. Her contributions have cemented a legacy that will continue to influence the future of aviation in Southern Nevada.
