Behind the Takeoff with Kyle Carvell

At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), we’re proud of the people who work behind the scenes to keep our airport connected, safe, and welcoming. In this installment of Behind the Takeoff, we’re introducing you to Kyle Carvell, AUS’s Airport Relations Officer. His journey with the City of Austin spans over 15 years and reflects his passion for communication, public service, and now, aviation.

From Internship to Impact

Kyle’s career began as an undergraduate intern in Austin City Hall’s Public Information Office while finishing his degree at The University of Texas. There, he dove headfirst into media relations, working directly with reporters on fast-moving stories with tight deadlines. “It wasn’t a career path I had considered,” he said, “but I quickly found that I enjoyed the fast-paced environment and the challenge of crafting accurate and tactful messaging.”

That early experience taught him the importance of building trust with reporters, editors, and subject matter experts inside the City. After graduation, Kyle was promoted to a full-time Public Information Officer (PIO), a role he held for more than five years. “A lot of my time there was spent working on higher-profile stories, attending City Council meetings, and many emergency activations (floods, wildfires, large special events, etc.). I feel like being immersed in those environments really helped me sharpen my communication skillset and the value of cross-collaboration between different entities.”

And here’s a fun connection to AUS: “My first on-camera interview as a junior PIO was at AUS, covering holiday travel delays on behalf of the airport. I was filling in for AUS’s normal PIO’s and was pretty nervous… That was 13 years before I officially joined the Department of Aviation. It’s funny how some things come full circle like that.”

A Path Toward Public Service

In 2015, Kyle found a new opportunity at City Hall, transitioning to the City Manager’s Office (CMO), where his work shifted from media relations to policy-focused implementation. “My time in CMO really taught me how to work effectively in a political environment and the importance of staying neutral and focused on serving the public above all else.”

During that period, Kyle also invested in his education, attending night classes for three years to earn his Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Texas State University. It was a step that prepared him for more leadership roles in City government.

From there, Kyle joined Austin Public Works as Public Affairs Manager, overseeing a wide range of stakeholder communications, including some capital projects at AUS. Those projects eventually led him straight to the airport.

Aviation had always been in the back of Kyle’s mind. “As a kid, I dreamed of attending the Air Force Academy and flying jets. Later, I realized I couldn't even handle roller coasters, and I came to terms with being a communicator rather than a pilot. I’ve always admired airports from afar, especially AUS.”

“What truly drew me here was a personal affinity for the airport, built over nearly 20 years in Austin. I’m proud to be part of this team, and I’m grateful to the mentors who saw potential in me and gave me opportunities along the way. I’m a big believer that no one gets where they are alone, and I try to pay that forward by mentoring others and focusing on potential over résumés.”

Building Bridges Through Community Affairs

Today, Kyle leads AUS’s Community Affairs Division, a relatively new team focused on connecting the airport with its neighbors, travelers, and the broader Central Texas community. “Our ultimate charge is to connect AUS with the various stakeholders in our region, whether it being neighbors who need to be kept informed of how AUS operations may impact their daily lives, the business community who need to be kept informed about the latest direct routes and how they impact travel needs, to school children who may have never flown on an airplane but are able to get an inside look on what our world looks like.”

The division hosts speaking engagements, community open houses, and airport tours. You can also find the team representing AUS at events across the city to engage residents in conversations about the airport’s growth and impact. Additionally, the team focuses on reaching underserved communities, including travelers with accessibility needs, and partners with chambers of commerce and economic development organizations to promote subcontracting opportunities during AUS’s historic Journey With AUS expansion program.

“I usually spend a lot of time away from my desk at events or speaking engagements, giving tours of the airport, or representing AUS in places and spaces that the airport needs to be. I feel very fortunate to get to do this work, and much of the credit goes to my team.”

Three Things to Know About Community Affairs

Kyle sums up his team’s role in three ways:

We’re here to connect. “Whether your group is five or 500, we’re happy to engage, provide updates about AUS, and bring people into our world. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.”

We serve more than just our neighbors. “While a major focus is being a good neighbor and connecting with our local residents, our division also collaborates across the airport and with regional organizations because AUS is a Central Texas asset, not just a city facility.”

We give back. “Through ‘AUS for ATX,’ the philanthropic initiative led by Department of Aviation employees, we support school supply drives, toy drives, clean-up efforts, and more, powered by the personal and individual generosity of our organization.”

Favorite Moments and Biggest Challenges

Kyle loves the people and the stories he gets to hear every day. “My role is all about building and maintaining relationships. I really get a lot out of simply learning how different stakeholders and communities view and interact with the airport and being a resource for them.”

He recalled that when his young daughter asked what he does at the airport, he joked that he “counts airplanes all day.” That image has apparently stuck, as she now often guesses that the number of planes he counts, which ranges anywhere from “a zillion” to “a bazillion” depending on the day. 

As for challenges, Kyle admits the steep learning curve of working in aviation keeps him on his toes. “I often speak to groups and get detailed questions about airport operations, and while I don’t always know every answer, I’m constantly learning from the experts around me.”

Advice for Future Aviation Professionals

For those who want to build a career in aviation, Kyle emphasizes that everyone starts somewhere. “Aviation is its own world. Even seasoned professionals will say there’s always more to learn, so don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. Lean on those around you, ask questions, and remember: you belong in this space just as much as anyone else.”

He encourages newcomers to focus on their passions and skills, then find how those align with the industry. “I think most folks would be surprised to learn the range of different career paths that exist in this industry.”

A Community Asset for All

Kyle wants the public to know that AUS belongs to everyone. “I really want to encourage the community to reach out and connect with us. We have a mantra on a team to try to say ‘yes’ to every tour, speaking event, or other opportunity. We don’t always have the ability to do it all, but we try. AUS is not just for travelers—it is a true community asset and an entire ecosystem of opportunity. I want everyone to have a chance to learn more and feel part of the exciting things happening at this airport—so don’t hesitate to reach out!”

On a personal note, Kyle is looking forward to traveling more with his wife and their two daughters, recently 5 and 2, now that they are a bit older and require less slightly less luggage. “Working at an airport definitely keeps your wanderlust alive, so feel free to send me your travel recommendations!”