[1] AAAE was founded in September 1928 when 10 airport directors met at the National Air Races at Mines Field in Los Angeles.

During his tenure, Hauptli revamped the Interactive Employee Training product; created the Airport Innovation Accelerator.

Tory Richardson, A.A.A.E., CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, is AAAE's Chair for 2019–20.

At that time, the three-step accreditation process consisted of a proctored, 180-question, multiple-choice closed book written examination; the research and writing of a postgraduate quality management research paper, regardless of whether or not the candidate held an advanced degree; and a final oral interview of three to four hours duration with a panel of no fewer than three A.A.E.s.

program obtain the designation by completing a streamlined three-step process - (1) a 180-question, multiple-choice examination; (2) a management research paper, case study, proctored essay examination, or proof of an advanced degree; and (3) a final interview with a panel of A.A.E.s.