Catherine Romano

Cathy Romano is a seasoned Executive Manager with over 30 years of experience in the aviation and ground handling industry, specializing in delivering exceptional customer service and operational excellence. Renowned for fostering strong client relationships, Cathy has a proven ability to lead high-performing teams, resolve complex challenges, and ensure customer satisfaction at every touchpoint. With a customer-first mindset and expertise in service delivery, Cathy is dedicated to creating seamless, world-class experiences for clients and stakeholders alike.

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Was aviation your first career choice? 

Catherine Romano: Aviation was not my first choice as a career. I have a B.S. degree from St. John’s University in paralegal studies. My airport career began in 1989, when I started working for British Airways as a part-time customer service agent.

Can you share how mentorship has influenced your career? 

Catherine Romano: I did not have a mentor, but I did have a manager who was amazing, strong, fair, and respected, one that I emulated and strive to be like one day.

Are there any airport redevelopment projects you’re particularly excited to see completed?

Catherine Romano: I am very excited and anxiously awaiting the opening of Terminal 6 at JFK Airport. This new terminal will be the first in North America to operate pooled electric ground support fleets. The transition to electric ground support equipment is part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) roadmap to achieving net-zero emissions. ASAK is extremely proud to be a part of this initiative, and help to lead the way.

How has your company adapted to the sustainability initiatives at our airports? 

Catherine Romano: We have brought our electric tug conversions in-house, which allows us to maintain full control over the entire process, from start to finish. By converting these vehicles to electric power, we can significantly reduce both emissions and noise pollution. Our in-house capabilities streamline the conversion timeline and ensure that each vehicle meets our performance and safety standards.

Additionally, by integrating telematics into our converted electric tugs, we are making strides not only in sustainability but also in operational intelligence. Telematics allows us to monitor vehicle usage, battery health, and maintenance needs in real-time, ensuring maximum uptime and efficiency. This data-driven approach helps us optimize fleet performance and supports our broader commitment to clean, sustainable technologies.

This effort benefits both the environment and our financial performance, and we are proud to lead the way in creating a cleaner airport ecosystem.

Does your company offer internships or other programs to attract young employees? 

Catherine Romano: Since our company opened, we have been committed to providing training and employment opportunities for young people in the New York area. 

Our CEO, Arnold Sue, is an alumnus of Aviation High School in Long Island City, and we have partnered with the school to create an internship program for students interested in pursuing careers in this industry and at JFK Airport. I believe the way we treat our staff speaks volumes and attracts new workers and provides a wonderful introduction to the airport and the aviation industries.

Are you a member of any civic or business groups related to the local airport? 

Catherine Romano: I participate in the JFK Rotary Club and the JFK Airport Chamber of Commerce. ASAK Solutions is an active member in the Airport Community Foundation (ACF), KAAMCO, and several other industry related associations.

What is the most memorable moment in your aviation career or at the airports?

Catherine Romano: I love what I do and take great joy in helping people. One of the most memorable moments I experienced was when I drove an unaccompanied French minor from the airport to Manhattan so he could reunite with his group, which had arrived on an earlier flight that he had missed. 

It was his first time in NYC, and his face lit up every time he saw a tunnel, bridge, or skyscraper. This experience was truly rewarding and humbling for me.