In January 2020, Jesus H. Saenz Jr., IAP, was appointed to serve as the city’s Director of Airports. In this role, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the San Antonio Airport System, made up of San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Stinson Municipal Airport. Combined, the airports account for an economic impact of more than $ 5.2 billion annually and support approximately 46,000 jobs in the region.

Saenz brings a strong focus on strategic planning initiatives to enhance customer experience, leads the airports’ capital improvement projects and has continually increased SAT’s air service, both domestic and international. His biggest focus now is expanding SAT with the Terminal Development Program, which create a new terminal larger than Terminals A and B combined and add up to 17 gates by 2028.

Previously, Saenz was Chief Operating Officer for the Houston Airport System. He oversaw strategic and business plan development, business process re-engineering, implementing of technologically complex projects and airport operations.

During his nearly 20-year aviation career, Saenz has held a wide range of positions, including General Manager for William P. Hobby Airport. He also served many roles at George Bush Intercontinental Airport – such as Assistant Director of Administration and Customer Service, Assistant Director of Transportation, Acting Assistant Director of Operations, Senior Superintendent, Superintendent and Customer Service Manager.

Saenz is an accredited executive of the Airports Council International-International Civil Aviation Organization’s Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program. He is designated as an International Airport Professional. Saenz also serves an active member of ACI’s Facilitation Team. In January 2023, he was named to the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Policy Review Committee. The AAAE is the world’s largest professional organization for airport executives. Saenz obtained his bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from the University of Houston-Downtown.