Business View Magazine | May 2021

128 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE MAY 2021 Rivera worked at three other GA airports before taking the reins at Manassas. He has worked hard to ensure that the airport has multiple revenue streams and is designed to offer the best it can to the local area. As the adage goes, location, location, location is what matters. And Manassas is the perfect place for general aviation. “To be honest, if we were in Southwest Virginia or another rural area, we could not charge the fees we do and would not have the clientele we do,” Rivera admits. “Northern Virginia is one of the highest per capita income places in the country, with a lot of wealth. We are also right outside of Washington, DC. So, a lot of people here have an interest in flying and have the revenue or disposable income to learn to fly. Plus, we’re very fortunate that many companies come to DC to meet with legislators and lobbyists, etc.” Rivera emphasizes the importance of viewing the airport as an economic tool for the region. He notes, “Our generating revenue helps keep