Walz Appoints James Lawrence as New Chair of Metropolitan Airports Commission

James Lawrence has been appointed as the new chair of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), effective March 15, 2024. His appointment follows the retirement of former chair Rick King in November 2023. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz selected Lawrence, who has extensive experience in the aviation sector and a strong background in finance, to lead the commission overseeing operations at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and six general aviation airports.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Lawrence expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “I’m looking forward to working with a tremendous commission staff that operates one of the largest airport systems in the country.” He highlighted the importance of MSP Airport, which has received numerous accolades and serves as a critical hub for global travel and business connections that significantly benefit Minnesota.

Lawrence’s term as chair is set to run until January 4, 2027. He has been involved with the MAC since his appointment by Walz in 2021, and he previously chaired the commission’s planning and development committee. The commission consists of 15 members responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of the airport system.

Throughout his career, Lawrence has held various high-level positions within the aviation industry. He served as the chief financial officer at Northwest Airlines from 1996 to 1998 and later took on the same role at General Mills for nine years. His extensive experience includes serving on boards of multiple airlines, including Continental Airlines, TWA, and International Airlines Group, which includes major carriers such as British Airways and Iberia.

Reflecting on his career trajectory, Lawrence noted his recruitment to Northwest Airlines by Gary Wilson, the airline’s former chairman. Wilson, who had previously served as CFO of the Walt Disney Company, reached out to Lawrence after recognizing his expertise. “It sounded like a sensible thing to do,” Lawrence recalled in an interview.

Lawrence’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the MAC navigates significant developments in the airline industry. One major issue is the anticipated acquisition of Sun Country Airlines by Allegiant, expected to close in the second half of 2026. This merger could impact the competitive landscape at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, where Sun Country holds an 11.5% passenger market share, trailing behind Delta Air Lines at 69.5%.

Lawrence’s leadership at the MAC is expected to focus on these evolving dynamics within the aviation market. His role will also entail overseeing the ongoing expansion and modernization efforts at MSP Airport, which has been recognized for its operational excellence in recent years.

In addition to his responsibilities at the MAC, Lawrence serves as a board director at AerCap, a leading global aircraft leasing company. His extensive background in finance and aviation positions him well to address the challenges and opportunities facing Minnesota’s aviation infrastructure.

As Lawrence steps into this influential role, stakeholders within the region and the aviation industry will be closely monitoring his strategic decisions, particularly as they relate to partnerships and potential mergers that could reshape the future of air travel in the area.