Our Team
We love our people! J|D gathers elite professionals from varied disciplines and cultures to enrich our insights in the global aviation industry. Experience the wealth of knowledge and innovation that only diverse perspectives can offer.
Mike Hanlon
Vice President
Airline Services
Mike Hanlon leads J|D’s Airline Services Group, providing project implementation and consulting services to airlines throughout North America. He has more than 30 years of consulting experience in facility and operations planning, program definition, program management, and owners’ representation for major capital development projects and programs at large hub airports.
Mike is the Airline Representative for the O’Hare Modernization Program (OMP). In this role, he serves as the Owner’s Representative for the Signatory Airlines serving Chicago O’Hare International Airport. This effort includes day-to-day interface with the Airlines, the City of Chicago Department of Aviation, and OMP Program staff.
Mike has managed a wide variety of studies, including the preparation of master plans and program definition studies for both airfield and terminal improvements and the implementation of two major development programs at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Throughout his career, Mike has focused on mega projects at the largest and most complex airports in the United States. In addition, he’s participated in the planning and implementation of projects in Canada, Europe, Asia, and South America.
Mike’s extensive and diverse experience with all aspects of airport development makes him uniquely capable of coordinating a major development program, from conceptual planning through implementation. He strives to create the best possible outcome for his clients and the project.
Q & A with Mike
What is the best part of your job?
Often, I don’t know what the day is going to bring. I love being at the airport as it’s always changing. One of my favorite things is to see what it takes for one of the world’s busiest airports to keep everything running smoothly, coordinating with multiple agencies. It is a unique and interesting environment.
What advice would you give someone starting out in this industry?
Learn all you can, understand all the aspects of aviation, and don’t get too focused on any one thing. It is good to have general working knowledge of many things. You are a better planner if you understand the engineering, finance, and operations. A broader knowledge base in multiple areas will enhance your area of expertise.
What professional project are you most proud of?
Coordinating with the airlines for the O’Hare modernization program. The program totally reconfigured the airport. It involved relocating runways, relocating hangars, public roads, and access roads, and doing that for over 20 years has been the highlight of my career.
