Eva Cheong becomes the first woman to hold the top operating role at SFO, overseeing airport operations, passenger services, safety, security and facilities.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has appointed Eva Cheong as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), making her the first woman to hold the position in the airport’s history.
Cheong will take charge of a broad portfolio of operational functions at SFO, including airside and landside operations, AirTrain, safety and security, the Airport Integrated Operations Center and 911 dispatch center, guest care, facilities and the SFO Museum.
SFO Airport Director Mike Nakornkhet welcomed the appointment, citing Cheong’s extensive operational experience in the aviation industry and her commitment to SFO’s workforce and mission.
Extensive aviation experience
Cheong joined SFO in 2012, following a long career with Delta Air Lines, where she held several operational leadership positions.
Among her previous roles was Field Director for the California Region, with responsibility for operations at seven airports across the state, including all three airports serving the San Francisco Bay Area.
Her career at SFO has included senior responsibilities in airport services and operations. SFO records show that she has been involved in the management of areas including AirTrain operations, passenger-processing systems and airport facilities.
Leading critical airport functions
As COO, Cheong will oversee functions that directly affect the day-to-day experience and safety of millions of passengers travelling through SFO.
Her responsibilities span the airport’s operational infrastructure, from airfield and terminal activities to customer care, emergency response, security and facilities management. The role also includes oversight of the SFO Museum and AirTrain system.
SFO describes itself as the primary international gateway to Northern California and Silicon Valley, handling more than 54 million guests annually and offering nonstop connections to more than 140 destinations worldwide.
Cheong’s appointment adds another woman to the airport’s senior leadership team as SFO continues to focus on safety, customer experience, operational performance and infrastructure development.
Her elevation to the COO position also marks a milestone for the airport, placing a veteran aviation executive at the centre of SFO’s efforts to manage increasingly complex airport operations and deliver a consistent experience for travellers.
Source: San Francisco International Airport.
