The mission of the Aeronautics Division is to promote aviation throughout the Commonwealth while establishing an efficient, integrated airport system that enhances airport safety, customer service, economic development, and environmental stewardship. The Aeronautics Division has jurisdiction over the Commonwealth’s 35 public use airports and multiple heliports, private restricted landing areas, and seaplane bases. This includes all Massachusetts airports except for Logan International Airport, Worcester Regional Airport, and Hanscom Field in Bedford which are owned and operated by the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport). The division certifies airports and heliports, licenses airport managers, conducts annual airport inspections, and enforces safety and security

The Aeronautics Division serves a range of customers, with the bulk of the customer base primarily made up of aircraft owners. The aircraft registration program provides the division with data about the aircraft located at their facilities and about their owners.

The Aeronautics Division is the air operations lead coordinating agency for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency; a partner in the MassDOT Emergency Management Committee; and participates in various emergency planning exercises across the Commonwealth.

Capital budget disbursement is the percentage of total allocated capital budget that is disbursed to contractors, vendors, etc. by the end of the fiscal year. This measure is an indicator of how well the Aeronautics Division executes its planned expenditures.