Airport Authority gives Bradley head high marks for 2018

The Connecticut Airport Authority is giving Executive Director Kevin Dillon high marks for 2018, a year that has brought Bradley International Airport an extension of its sole European route, a new cargo operation with 160 jobs, and an uptick in traveler numbers.

The CAA board met Monday, and in executive session began its year-end performance review for Dillon and the goal-setting process for 2019.

Dillon makes a base salary of $306,521 and is eligible for bonuses of up to 20 percent of his salary, an airport spokeswoman said. The board will meet again in January to conclude the year-end review process.

“There’s a lot to contemplate. We’ve had a very successful year,” said CAA Chairman Thomas A. “Tony” Sheridan. “I think the board is very happy: 2018’s growth of the airport has been significant, so there’s a lot of good news coming out this year. Things are going very well, particularly at Bradley.”

The review comes on the heels of high marks from passengers in a Condé Nast Traveler survey, which named Bradley the third-best airport in the country based on convenience, amenities and atmosphere.

It also follows the relocation of Pinnacle Logistics, an Amazon contractor, and the announcement in September that the Aer Lingus flight to Ireland would be extended for four years.