Ashish J. Solanki, A.A.E. – Director, Office of Regional Aviation Assistance

ASHISH J. SOLANKI, A.A.E. has been with the Maryland Aviation Administration for the past 23 years. He presently serves as Director of the Office of Regional Aviation Assistance for the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Aviation Administration. He is responsible for fostering and promoting safe aeronautics in Maryland. His duties include: licensing and regulating the 132 public and private landing facilities, managing the State’s annual $3 million grants-in-aid program to public-use airports and supporting aerospace advocacy/education for the citizens of Maryland. As stewards of the state aviation system, focus remains on the improvement, development and protection of the airport infrastructure to meet the demands of the flying public. Safety, security and system preservation are the priorities of Regional Aviation.

Prior to his service to State of Maryland, Mr. Solanki was an aircraft dispatcher for a regional airline based at Dulles International Airport. He also provided Flight Instructor training to new and intermediate flight students. He holds a commercial-instrument certificate for single and multi-engine land aircraft, flight instructor, dispatcher and Part 107 Remote Pilot certificates. Mr. Solanki has over 2,200 flight hours. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Florida Tech and a Master of Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Mr. Solanki is an Accredited Airport Executive, an industry certification acknowledging expert knowledge, skills and experience in the management and operation of airports. Mr. Solanki has served on the National Association of State Aviation Official (NASAO) Board of Directors as the Association’s Eastern Region Board member and continues to serve on two separate NASAO committees (Airspace-NextGen and Unmanned Aircraft System).

Click here to see other members of our leadership team.