Chris Sundly, a seasoned aviation professional with roots as a "Fall Creek Cricket," is now a prominent figure in redefining airport safety at Austin's airport. The City of Austin's official blog recently highlighted Sundly’s journey from his simple beginnings in Fall Creek, Wisconsin, to becoming the Airside Operations Manager - Safety Management System at AUS.
Within a year of joining the AUS team, Sundly progressed from Airport Duty Manager to his current role focusing on the Safety Management System (SMS), a proactive program aimed at identifying safety risks and improving the airport's operation. According to the Austin blog, "With a neighbor who owned a helicopter for his farm, Sundly got his first taste of aviation." This early exposure sparked a passion that would carry him through a career in the industry, including earning an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Sundly's career has been characterized by a non-traditional path, climbing from roles such as fueling and moving aircraft at a fixed-based operator to various operational and compliance management positions across six commercial service airports. "I’ve taken the path less traveled compared to others in the industry," Sundly told the Austin blog, describing his climb through the industry levels.
The Safety Management System is now a mandatory component for many U.S. airports, and at AUS, Sundly is at the helm. His experience is now strategically applied to long-term planning and promoting a safety culture. "SMS is about long-term planning and building a safety culture," according to the Austin blog, Sundly explained, indicating a significant shift from his previous more reactive role as a Duty Manager.
Building upon his varied experience, Sundly achieved the Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) designation in 2024, a reflection of his proficiency across multiple facets of the airport industry. Earning the designation involved a meticulous process of mentorship, exams, and interviews that he described as "time-consuming" but foundational in comprehending diverse airport functions like finance and environmental management.
When it comes to advice for those aspiring to join the aviation sector, Sundly is straightforward in his suggestions for hard work and dedication. "The airport is a 24/7, 365 operation that demands near perfection," Sundly advised, as quoted by the Austin blog. He also highlighted the wide assortment of career paths within the field, reflecting the multitudinal operations within a bustling airport environment.
Notable personal details about Sundly include his favorite movie, "Top Gun," his pet French Bulldogs and Ball Python, and the surprisingly cold day he worked through when the temperature fell to near -70°F with wind chill. These tidbits, combined with his professional achievements, paint a picture of Sundly as a committed and multi-dimensional presence in the aviation community, constantly pushing AUS and the industry at large toward safer and more efficient horizons.
