Director of Aviation Pat Klein Announces Retirement

More than 25 years of Service, Successful Launch of New Terminal

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Kansas City Aviation Director Patrick Klein is announcing his retirement from the City of Kansas City after more than 25 years of service. Klein was appointed as Director of Aviation under former City Manager Troy Schulte in June of 2016. In his role, Klein oversees all aspects of the management, development, operation and maintenance of Kansas City International Airport and Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport.

Klein previously served as an Assistant City Manager from 2012 to 2017, working as the city manager’s liaison to the Aviation Department. In that role, he worked with groups studying future options for airport terminal modernization. This included the mayor’s Airport Terminal Advisory Group and the Airport Leadership Committee. These activities made Klein familiar with all aspects of the airport’s operations and he built strong relationships Aviation Department staff. This made him well suited for the director of aviation position.  Klein joined the City as an analyst and worked his way up through management earning the respect of City leaders and stakeholders along the way.

"Since he came to City Hall over 25 years ago, Pat Klein has been an example of Kansas City employees at their very best: hardworking; humble; diligent; and successful.  As an assistant city manager and Aviation Director, Pat Klein's impact can be seen in the core of our city at the East Patrol Police Station and on our front door to travelers from around the world at the KCI Airport,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said.

"Having served on the Council's aviation committee until 2019, I saw first-hand Pat's strong work as aviation director. At a time of great conflict about the path forward for KCI, Pat moved the debate from whether there would be a new terminal to how we could deliver a world-class new facility for Kansas City and the people of Missouri and Kansas.  Pat clearly deserved our confidence, delivering a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility that opened early and on budget."

"Pat leaves Kansas City government knowing his impact will be felt by millions of travelers for generations ahead.  As a mayor and a Kansas Citian, I wish him well in his next journey."

During his time as the Director of Aviation, Klein says his most cherished accomplishments are:

• The successful design, construction and opening of Kansas City International Airport’s New Terminal which was completed on time and on budget.
• Various development projects in the works of KCI.
•  Unencumbered cash increasing from $100 million dollars in 2016 to an expected $225 million dollars in 2023.
• A record number of operations at the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC) and the Taxiway Lima project poised for development at MKC not seen in years.

“I have enjoyed working for the City of Kansas City for more than twenty five years, and I sincerely appreciate the opportunities afforded to me through this organization. The last seven years as Aviation Director have been the most challenging and rewarding of my career,” Director Klein said. “While I will enjoy some time off, I will look forward to the next chapter in my life, the passion projects and challenges that await.”

“Thanks to Pat Klein, we’ve made tremendous improvements in the way we serve our residents and welcome visitors. We are forever grateful for his service and dedication to our City,” City Manager Brian Platt said. “We intend to pursue a national search for Director Klein’s position.”

Klein earned his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Oklahoma.

Director Klein will retire on Friday, May 31, 2023.