The Port Authority's Huntley Lawrence guest lectures to supply chain management students.

A short lesson on the airport business

Even in the midst of one of the nation’s busiest transportation hubs, students at Rutgers Business School in Newark probably never realized some of the details involved in operating an airport.

Well, not until Huntley Lawrence, deputy director and chief operating officer of the Port Authority’s aviation department, visited their Business Logistics and Transportation Class as a guest lecturer on Oct. 31. The undergraduate course is taught by Mark Sutterley, a part-time lecturer in supply chain management.

"I look for someone who is self-motivated, research-oriented, with strong writing skills, someone who is a problem-solver," Lawrence said.

Lawrence spoke about how airlines are charged for using airports – the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey – operates Newark Liberty, JFK and LaGuardia – and the cost of operating some of the busiest airports in the world.

He explained the types of people who work for the aviation department – from accountants and lawyers to locksmiths – the port authority’s expansion plans for cargo freight, the proposed replacement of the AirTrain and the potential impact of drones on the air cargo business.

As he wrapped up his lecture, Lawrence was asked about what he looks for in young job candidates. "I look for someone who is self-motivated, research-oriented, with strong writing skills, someone who is a problem-solver," he said. "Effective analysis leads to good decision-making in business."

-Susan Todd

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