Awards & Recognition

Many good things are happening at the San Diego International Airport (SAN) and the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. Year after year, our programs and people are recognized by prestigious organizations in all areas of airport operations.

In 2020, the Authority received more than a dozen awards, accreditations, or recognition including two from the prestigious Airports Council International (ACI):

• Environmental Achievement Award for the Airport Development Plan outreach efforts throughout the development of the ADP Final EIR.
• World’s Airport Health Accreditation for our Let’s Go Safely” program prioritizes the health and safety of passengers, employees, and the community through modifications and improvements at the airport.

The Authority’s Director of Environmental Affairs & Planning Brendan Reed was honored with the Climate Leadership Award for Individual Leadership from the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions and the Airports Going Green Individual Leadership Award.

SAN, along with SUNDT Construction, was honored with CAL OSHA’s VPPC Status. This honor signifies a three-year status as a worksite and employer who demonstrate responsibility for worker safety and health.

For the eleventh consecutive year, Procurement received the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® for 2020 by the National Procurement Institute, Inc. This program recognizes procurement organizations that embrace Innovation, Professionalism, Productivity, Leadership, and e-Procurement.

We are proud of our accomplishments. To see our awards, please click the tabs above.

• 2016 Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada; Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
• 2016 San Diego County Taxpayers Association; Annual Golden Watchdog Award – Rental Car Center
• 2016 San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce; Hire-a-Veteran Honor Roll
• 2015 Airport Revenue News (Medium Airport Division); Best Overall Concession Program; Best Concession Management Team; Best Concession Program Design; Best Customer Service; Best Amenities
• 2015 Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada; Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
• 2014 San Diego County Taxpayers Association; Annual Golden Watchdog
• 2014 National Procurement Institute; Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award
• 2014 Airport Revenue News (Medium Airport Division); Best Overall Concession Program; Best Concession Management Team; Best Concession Program Design.
• 2013 Visionary Award in the category of “economic opportunity” from LEAD San Diego (awarded to Thella F. Bowens, Robert H. Gleason and Bruce Boland)
• 2012 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement from the National Procurement Institute
• 2011 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement from National Purchasing Institute
• 2011 San Diego Metro Mover, Robert H. Gleason, Board Chair
• 2010 San Diego Metro Mover, Thella F. Bowens, President/CEO
• 2010 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement from the National Purchasing Institute
• 2010 Special Award for outstanding contribution toward and support of the San Diego subcontracting community’s issues and concerns from the San Diego Chapter of the American Subcontracting Association
• 2007 Gold Key Award for “Outstanding Contributions to the Tourism Industry by Someone Outside of the Industry” from the San Diego County Hotel-Motel Association and the San Diego County Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International
• 2006 Eureka Silver Level Award for Performance Excellence from the California Council for Excellence
• 2006 “San Diego Ambassador Award” from the San Diego Community College District
• 2006 Eureka Bronze Level Award for commitment to organizational excellence from the California Council for Excellence
• 2005 Bronze Level Award for commitment to organizational excellence from the California Council for Excellence
• 2004 Prospector Award for commitment to organizational excellence from the California Council for Excellence
•  2004 Executive Awareness Award for Best Small Business Outreach Event/Series for the “Meet the Authority” outreach series for small businesses from the San Diego Supplier Development Council
• 2004 Women Who Mean Business Award, Thella F. Bowens, from the San Diego Business Journal
• 2003 Service Provider of the Year Award for the agency’s contributions to international trade in the San Diego region from the World Trade Center of San Diego

Small/Disadvantaged Business Outreach

• 2011 Procurement Advocate of the Year from San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• 2011 San Diego Metro Mover, Bob Silvas, Director, Small Business Development
• 2011 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Advocate and Partner Award from the Federal Aviation Administration
•  2010 Public Agency of Choice from the American Subcontractors Association
• 2004-2005 Supplier Diversity Council Award for Innovative Program

Diversity

• 2011 Award of the Organization for significant contributions toward the inclusion of historically underrepresented businesses in contracting opportunities from the Airport Minority Advisory Council
• 2007 Multicultural Heritage Award for diversity in the workplace from the San Diego Business Journal

Condé Nast Traveler magazine annual Business Travel Awards

San Diego International Airport was ranked #1 among California airports by Condé Nast Traveler magazine in its annual Business Travel Awards.

• 2010 #5 ranking among U.S. airports in Condé Nast Traveler magazine annual Business Travel Awards
• 2009 #8 ranking among U.S. airports in Condé Nast Traveler magazine annual Business Travel Awards
• 2008 top 10 ranking among U.S. airports in Condé Nast Traveler magazine annual Business Travel Awards
• 2007 Exemplary Systems in Government Distinguished Systems Award from the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association for improving customer service through the innovative use of computer technology
• 2007 #4 ranking for Best Airport by Region, North America in Airport Service Quality Survey from Airports Council International
• 2007 #2 Ranking for Best Airport serving 15-25 million passengers annually in Airport Service Quality Survey from Airports Council International
• 2007 top 10 ranking among U.S. airports in Condé Nast Traveler magazine annual Business Travel Awards
• 2006 #2 ranking for Best Airport serving between 15-25 million passengers annually in Airport Service Quality Survey from Airports Council International
• 2006 #5 ranking for Best Airport in the Americas in Airport Service Quality Survey from Airports Council International
• 2006 #5 ranking for Best Domestic Airport in Airport Service Quality Survey from Airports Council International
•  2003 #2 ranking for Best Domestic Airport in Global Airport Monitor Survey from the International Air Transportation Association and Airports Council International
• 2003 Airport Service Excellence Award from Airport World magazine
• 2003 Runner-up, Best Domestic Airport in the World from Airport World magazine

• 2014 Design Build Institute of American Awards (San Diego); Design Build Awards
• 2014 American Public Works Association (San Diego); Public Works Project of the Year
• 2014 California Transportation Foundation; Aviation Project of the Year
• 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers (San Diego Section/Region 9); Outstanding Civil Engineering Project Award
• 2014 American Planning Association (San Diego Section); Award for Economic Planning and Development Award for the Green Build at San Diego International Airport
• 2014 Construction Management Association of American (San Diego); Project Achievement Awards – Transportation, Buildings, Program Management, Infrastructure
• 2012 Award of Distinction in the Projects in Progress category from the Design Build Institute of America Western Pacific Region
• 2011 Aviation Project of the Year for Taxiway C Rehabilitation project from the California Transportation Foundation
• 2011 Outstanding Energy Project for “Install Airfield Signs, Taxiway Lights and Runway Guard Lights” from the American Society of Civil Engineers Region 9
• 2011 Outstanding Public Owner from the San Diego Chapter Associated General Contractors
• 2010 Outstanding Civil Engineering Project Award in Sustainable Technology for “Install Airfield Signs, Taxiway Lights and Runway Guard Lights” from the American Society of Civil Engineers San Diego Section
• 2010 Project of the Year Award for the 96 Inch Sewer Pipe Liner from Trenchless Technology
• 2010 Outstanding Civil Engineering Award for “Install Airfield Signs, Taxiway Lights, and Runway Guard Lights” from the American Society of Civil Engineers
• 2010 Constructech Vision Award from Constructech Magazine
• 2009 Project Achievement Award from the Construction Management Association of America
• 2006 Outstanding Civil Engineering Project for Resurface Runway 9-27 and Taxiway “B” Project from the American Society of Civil Engineers
• 2007 Finalist for Resurface Runway 9-27 and Taxiway “B” Project from the Association of General Contractors (with FCI Constructors, Inc.)
• 2007 Exemplary Systems in Government Distinguished Systems Award from The Urban and Regional Information Systems Association
• 2006 Outstanding Civil Engineering Award for “Improve Runway Safety Area (Engineered Material Arresting System) at San Diego International Airport” from the American Society of Civil Engineers
• 2003 Partnership Commendation from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

• 2016 San Diego County Taxpayers Association Annual Golden Watchdog Award for the Rental Car Center
• 2016 Edward L. Bernays Bronze Mark of Excellence Award in Press Conferences for “Introducing SAN Rental Car Center” from the Public Relations Society of America San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter
• 2016 PROTOS Award of Excellence in Press Conference/Press Tour for “Introducing SAN Rental Car Center” from the Public Relations Society of America Orange County Chapter
• 2014 Bulldog Media Relations; Best Online Newsroom Award
• 2014 Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) MARCOMM; Excellence in Airport Marketing & Communications Awards: 1st Place: Aviation Education & Tours – Full STEAM Ahead
• 2nd Place: Promotional Innovations – Green Build Opening Day Baseball
• 2013 Winner, Routes Americas Airport Marketing Awards
• 2011 Silver Anvil for the campaign to launch construction on The Green Build. The Silver Anvil is the industry’s highest honor from the Public Relations Society of America in the Community Relations – Government category
•  2012 Gold SABRE Award in the Government Agencies category for “The Green Build Takes Flight at San Diego International Airport” from The Holmes Report
• 2012 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – 1st place for Public Relations Campaigns – The Green Build Public Outreach
• 2012 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – 1st place for Creative Innovations-Promotional Items – Junior Achievement BizTown Mural
• 2012 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – 2nd place for Airport Aviation and Education Programs – Triple Play Web Game
• 2011 PR Week Honorable Mention in Public Sector Campaign of the Year for “The Green Build Takes Flight”
•  2011 PROTOS Award of Excellence in Community Relations/Institutional Programs for “The Green Build Takes Flight at San Diego Airport” from the Public Relations Society of America Orange County Chapter
• 2011 Edward L. Bernays Silver Mark of Excellence Award in Community Relations for “The Green Build Takes Flight” from the Public Relations Society of America San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter
• 2011 PR Professional of the Year, Diana Lucero, from the Public Relations Society of America San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter
• 2011 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – 2nd Place for Aviation Education & Tour Programs – Junior Achievement BizTown Mural
• 2011 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – 2nd Place for Creative Innovations/Promotional Materials – Jet’s Fun Pack
• 2011 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – 2nd Place for Creative Innovations/Technology – Least Tern Nest Counter on website
• 2010 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – 1st Place for Creative Innovation, Promotional Item
• 2010 Finalist for San Diego Book Awards, Picture Book
• 2010 Finalist for USA Book Awards, Animals & Pets Novelty
• 2010 Finalist for USA Book Awards, Children’s Novelty
• 2009 PR Week Finalist in Public Affairs Campaign of the Year for “Public Affairs Campaign for San Diego County Regional Airport Authority’s Master Plan Environmental Impact Report”
• 2009 Silver Anvil Award of Excellence in “Public Affairs – Government” for “Public Affairs Campaign for San Diego County Regional Airport Authority’s Master Plan Environmental Impact Report” from the Public Relations Society of America
• 2008 PROTOS Award for Outstanding Achievement in Website Development for the “San Diego International Airport Master Plan Website: www.SANplan.com” from the Public Relations Society of America Orange County Chapter
• 2008 Edward L. Bernays Bronze Mark of Excellence in “External Websites” for “San Diego International Airport Master Plan Website: SANPlan.com” from the Public Relations Society of America San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter
• 2004 Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for “The Future Takes Wing: San Diego International Airport, 75 Years of Flight,” in the Historical/Biographical Program category
• 2004 Edward L. Bernays Silver Mark of Excellence for Integrated Communications from the Public Relations Society of America San Diego Chapter
• 2004 Peggy G. Hereford Overall Award for Excellence from Airports Council International – North America
• 2004 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – 1st Place for Aviation Education and Tour Programs
• 2004 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – 1st Place for Media Guides
• 2004 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – 1st Place for Press Kits
• 2004 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – 1st Place for Public Relations Campaigns
• 2004 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – 2nd Place for Video and Film Productions
• 2004 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – 2nd in Creative Innovations-Technology and Corporate Branding Campaigns
• 2004 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – 3rd Place in Black and White Print Advertising
• 2004 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – Honorable Mention Special Events
• 2004 Bronze Telly Award for promotional 30-second Public Service Announcements (PSAs) commemorating the 75th anniversary of San Diego International Airport
• 2003 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – 1st Place in Creative Innovations – Promotions for Centennial of Flight Aviation Activity Book
• 2003 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – 1st Place in Newsletters (Internal) for Jetstreams
• 2003 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – 2nd Place in Aviation Education & Tour Program
• 2003 Airports Council International – North America Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Contest – 2nd in Corporate Branding

• 2020 iCommute Gold-Tier Diamond Award (develop and implement commuter programs that encourage alternative commute choices) 
• 2018 iCommute Diamond Award- Gold Tier from SANDAG
• 2017 iCommute Diamond Award- Bronze Tier from SANDAG
• 2017 Circulate San Diego Momentum Award, Trolley to Terminal Shuttle Service from Circulate San Diego
• 2016 Planning Agency Award from the American Planning Association (San Diego Section)
• 2015 Randy Jones Award for Excellence in Airport Noise Mitigation from AAAE
• 2011 Award for Outstanding Technical Report for the Ryan Aeronautical Company History District: Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) Report and Interpretive Display from the Association of Environmental Professionals (San Diego Chapter)
• 2010 Distinguished Leadership Award, First Place from the American Planning Association (San Diego Section)
• 2010 iCommute Diamond Award for Best New Program from SANDAG
• 2010 Constructech Vision Awards (Gold) from Constructech Fierce Advocates for Construction
• 2009 Project Achievement Award from Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) (San Diego Chapter)
• 2003 Chairman’s Award for Federal Achievement in Historic Preservation from Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP)
• 2002 Award of Excellence for Historic Preservation from City of San Diego Historical Resources Board
• 2001 Edward L. Bernays, Mark of Excellence Bronze Bernays Award from Public Relations Society of America (San Diego Chapter)
• 2001 Governor’s Historic Preservation Award from Gov. Gray Davis
• 2001 Orchid Award from Orchids and Onions San Diego Architectural Foundation

2023 

• Renewable Diesel Award from ACI-NA (October)
• AD-77’s Environmental Hero Award for Renewable Diesel (October)
• Award for All Electric Shuttle Program from San Diego Air Pollution Control District (October) 

2022

• Food Recovery Challenge Award from Environmental Protection Agency (January)
• Sutherland Community Service Award from Goodwill (June)
• Airports Going Green award for All Electric Shuttle Program (September) 

2021 

• Outstanding BMP Implementation Award for the Northside Stormwater Cistern from CA Stormwater Quality Association (May) 
• Outstanding Sustainability Management Program from Association of Environmental Professionals (September) 
• Connectivity Award for Old Town All-Electric Shuttle Service “The Flyer” by Circulate San Diego 

2020

• San Diego Green Building Council SAN Green Concessions Sustainable Business Patron Award (December)
• Airports Going Green Individual Leadership Award (Brendan Reed) (December)
• City of San Diego 2019 Waste Reduction and Recycling Award "Recycler of the Year" (award winner for 17 consecutive years) (November)
• Environmental Excellence Award for the Northside Stormwater Capture Cistern from Industrial Environmental Association (September)
• ACI-NA Environmental Award for Outreach and Communication for the SAN Airport Development Plan Outreach (April)
• Climate Leadership Award for Individual Leadership (Brendan Reed) from Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (March)
• Climate Leadership Award for Greenhouse Gas Goal Setting from Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (March)

2019

• Excellence in Action Awards for Excellence from the WasteReuse Association for AC condensate and T2PP stormwater capture and reuse (September)
• City of San Diego 2018 Waste Reduction and Recycling Award "Recycler of the Year" (May)
• T2 Parking Plaza Honorable Mention- ACI (Airports at Work Conference) for Environmental Mitigation and Innovation (March)

2018

• ACI-NA Environmental Achievement Award- Honorable Mention for Innovative and Special Projects for The Good Traveler
• City of San Diego “Recycler of the Year” Award
• Large-Hub Airport Innovation Award from American Association of Airport Executives for The Good Traveler and Air Condition Condensate Capture and Reuse projects
• EMIES UnWasted Food Award from San Diego Food System Alliance on food diversion program

2017

• Environmental Excellence Award: by the Industrial Environmental Association (October)
• Outstanding Construction and Demolition Award: by the California Resource Recovery Association (August)
• Excellence in Airport Concessions, First Place, "Best Innovation in Sustainability" for The Good Traveler by the Airports Council International-North America (April)
• Outstanding Achievement Award for Innovation Waste Reduction and Recycling by the City of San Diego (March)
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Achievement Award" by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (January)

2002-2016

• 2016 City of San Diego; "Recycler of the Year" Award
• 2014 City of San Diego Environmental Services Department; Recycler of the Year
• 2013 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification for the Receiving and Distribution Center from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC)
• 2012 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification for the redevelopment of the Facilities Management Building from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC)
• 2012 Environmental Excellence Award in the category of "Air (Convention Pollutant Control)" for the Green Taxi program from the Industrial Environmental Association (IEA)
• 2012 Recycler of the Year Award from the City of San Diego
• 2011 Alonzo Award for Sustainable Business Practices from the Downtown San Diego Partnership
• 2011 Recycler of the Year Award from the City of San Diego
• 2010 Recycler of the Year Award from the City of San Diego
• 2009 Recycler of the Year Award from the City of San Diego
• 2008 Recycler of the Year Award from the City of San Diego
• 2007 Recycler of the Year Award from the City of San Diego
• 2004 Recycler of the Year Award from the City of San Diego
• 2004 Environmental Achievement Award for the Storm Water Management Program from the Environmental Affairs Committee of Airports Council International-North America
• 2004 "Outstanding Technical Report" Award for the Storm Water Management Program from the Association of Environmental Professionals San Diego Chapter
• 2003 Recycler of the Year Award from the City of San Diego