New Fresno airport director begins job, will lead continued expansion
As Fresno Yosemite International Airport continues to grow, a new person has been tapped to lead the charge.
Mark Thorpe, who has more than 27 years of commercial aviation experience, started Thursday as the Fresno airport’s Director of Aviation following a nationwide search.
Thorpe, 54, has spent almost two decades in executive leadership roles at large airports, including two of the top three busiest airports in the United States: Los Angeles International and Dallas/Fort Worth International. In addition, Thorpe worked at Ontario International.
Most recently, Thorpe founded an aviation consulting firm, providing guidance and strategic counsel to major airlines, airports, the U.S. Department of Transportation and other aviation industry partners.
“Mark’s experience leading complex airport operations, expanding air service and building strong industry partnerships distinguished him throughout this process,” City Manager Georgeanne White said in a news release. “As Fresno Yosemite International Airport continues to grow and evolve, I am confident he is the right leader to guide the airport into its next chapter.”
Thorpe takes over for a position that had been held by the late Henry Thompson, who unexpectedly passed away in July 2025.
Thompson served as Fresno’s airport director for four years and was spearheading efforts to update and expand Fresno Yosemite International with the growing number of passengers.
Most notably, the airport completed a four-story parking garage in November 2021, then finished its expansion of the security checkpoint in April 2025.
In December 2025, the terminal expansion project was completed that added approximately 98,00 square feet.
“The new expansion strengthens our region’s future by positioning the Airport as more competitive and attractive facility for growing air service and creating opportunities for a thriving economy,” Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said then.
All of which were part of the first phase of the FATForward terminal expansion project, which is the airport’s multi-year expansion program designed to help accommodate the growing number of passengers and help Fresno become more of a destination for travelers.
In 2024, a record 2.7 million travelers passed through Fresno Yosemite International Airport.
Also on docket for renovations at the Fresno airport is resurfacing its primary runway (there are two at FAT).
The plan is to tear out the existing 9,000-foot runway that’s made of asphalt and replace it with a 9,000-foot runway made of concrete. There are no plans to lengthen the runway, Thompson said back in May 2025.
Thompson also said then that the airport was looking to renovate its control tower, perhaps starting in 2027.
Then there are longer-term projects at the airport down the road, including expanding potential parking, hangars and maintenance facilities.
Thorpe will be tasked to oversee those expansion projects among his responsibilities.
Throughout his career, Thorpe has recruited new airline service to dozens of domestic and international destinations while overseeing initiatives that strengthened passenger growth, cargo operations and regional economic development.
As Chief Executive Officer of Ontario International Airport, he led efforts that doubled the airport’s airline partners, expanded international service, established new regional hub facilities for FedEx and Amazon Prime, and guided the airport through one of California’s strongest recoveries following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier in his career, Thorpe led airline recruitment and international marketing initiatives for Los Angeles World Airports, helping secure 13 new airlines and service to 32 new domestic and international destinations at LAX and ONT.
At Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, he played a key role in expanding passenger and cargo connectivity between Asia, Latin America and North America while supporting significant airline growth and logistics expansion.
“As we continue expanding air service and advancing plans for our future international terminal, Mark has the experience, relationships and vision to build on that momentum,” Dyer said in a news release. “His leadership will help strengthen our partnerships with airlines, enhance the customer experience and ensure our airport continues to create new opportunities for Fresno and the entire Central Valley.”
Thorpe earned a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Arizona State University. He is bilingual in English and Spanish and has worked in more than 40 countries throughout his aviation career.
“I am excited by the opportunity to lead the City of Fresno’s Aviation Department into what I believe will be a very bright future,” Thorpe said in a news release. “With the new international terminal and continued strong population and economic growth in Fresno and the Central Valley, there is a tremendous opportunity for Fresno Yosemite International Airport to continue expanding connectivity throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada and Central America.
“I also look forward to enhancing the customer experience through new concessions and amenities that reflect our local culture and create a welcoming gateway for residents and visitors.”
