Director of Aviation Manny Manriquez

Manny Manriquez serves as Director of the City of Albuquerque’s Aviation Department, leading the Albuquerque International Sunport and Double Eagle II Airport. He is advancing a forward-looking mission to enhance the Albuquerque airport system’s role as a catalyst for regional economic development and next-generation aviation technology innovation. His priorities include positioning the Sunport as a multimodal international trade hub, expanding air service and air cargo capabilities, advancing infrastructure investments and commercial development, and deepening connections between aviation, rail connectivity, and regional supply chains.

Previously, as Deputy Director for Innovation & Commercial Development, Manny helped to launch several ongoing key initiatives, including Dream of Flight: Sunport Reimagined—the Sunport’s signature initiative to modernize the passenger experience, reimagine airport spaces, and strengthen the airport’s connection to local arts, cultural, and culinary traditions—and a digital infrastructure investment strategy that overlaps with all Sunport and DEII modernization efforts.

Raised in Oakland, California, and Albuquerque, Manny attended Harrison Middle School and Rio Grande High School before earning a B.A. in political science and Asian Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2008, and an M.A. in International Affairs from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in 2012. His academic and professional career spans international affairs, national security, global commerce, emerging technologies, next-generation mobility, and strategic competitiveness.

Following graduate school, Manny joined the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Nonproliferation and International Security in Washington, D.C., where he supported peaceful research and development initiatives involving former Soviet Union weapons scientists and helped develop information security protocols for the NNSA and the Department of Energy’s National Lab complex. He subsequently spent nine years with the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association’s Washington office, serving first as Director of Government and Public Affairs and later as General Director and the organization’s chief representative in North America. In these roles, he worked at the intersection of international industry, government relations, and public policy.

Manny joined the City of Albuquerque in March 2022, bringing his experience in international engagement, industry leadership, and public policy to the advancement of the city’s aviation, infrastructure, and economic development priorities.

Outside of work, Manny is a guitarist and vocalist involved in several rock ’n’ roll projects. He also enjoys mountain biking and exploring New Mexico’s wide-open landscapes. His 11-year old daughter Elise is his greatest hero.