Airport_Business_November_2020 - 29

UNDER

Matt Bocchino, AAE
Matt Bocchino's love of aviation started when he was about
six years old. He can trace it back to three things: sitting in the
grass just outside the perimeter fence at Bradley International
Airport (BDL) and watching the jetliners roar overhead to land;
visiting the New England Air Museum and seeing Disney's The
Rocketeer.
" It's partly an avgeek thing; I love planes and airports and
being a part of that environment, " he said. " I'm also fascinated
by what takes place at airports every day, something that we
naturally take for granted now.
" Think about it: in the mid-19th century, just before the Civil
War, it would take four weeks to get from New York City to
the West Coast. In the 1930s, less than a hundred years ago,
Hometown: West Springfield, MA
it would still take three days by railroad for the same
Alma Mater: Jacksonville University
trip. Today it's done in less than six hours and no one
thinks twice about it. "
Fun fact about yourself: I once
applied to be an astronaut just to get the
Bocchino is the senior properties administrator in
rejection letter.
business development at the Jacksonville Aviation
Someone I look up to in the
Authority (JAA). One of his main responsibilities is
industry: All of those who have
overseeing the in-terminal advertising program at
mentored me and been patient with me
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX).
as I've learned the ropes.
Two years ago, Bocchino established and is now
My favorite thing about aviation
leading a national working group of more than 14
is: Working with and being around
other airports who all manage in-house airport
people who share my love of it.
advertising programs. He created best practices for

the working group and continues to grow its participation.
Bocchino crafted and implemented a new airport advertising
policy for JAA, which protects the organization from potential
litigation. JAX has seen a 25 percent increase in advertising
revenue since 2017 under his leadership. This includes the
development of a new advertising Wi-Fi splash page.
In just the past year, Bocchino took on oversight of JAA's
governmental agreements in the, GASP permit agreements
for airlines and all leases at Herlong Recreational Airport
(HEG). He also provided training and business consulting to
the FBO at HEG and to the general aviation division.
" I've had my private pilot certificate for 14 years now and it
has given me so many wonderful experiences and taken me to
tons of amazing places, " Bocchino said. " My coolest logbook
entry is probably when I landed at the Shuttle Landing Facility
at Kennedy Space Center. I also note in my logbook every time
I take one of my kids up as I try to pass my love of aviation on
to them. "

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NOVEMBER 2020 \ AVIATIONPROS.COM / 29
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