BVIAA lands huge international role

The BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) has been elected to serve as an advisor on the governing board of the Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC).

The ACI serves 712 members, operating 1,925 airports in 171 countries as of January 2023. The council includes ACI World and five ACI Regions: Africa, Asia-Pacific and Middle East, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America. The BVI Airports Authority became a member of the council in 2019, and was recently elected to serve as an advisor on the Governing Board in elections held in Miami from November 5 to 7.

Chairman of the BVIAA Board of Directors, Theodore Burke applauded the Authority on achieving this significant milestone.

He said, “It is indeed an honour for the Authority to have been elected to champion the cause of smaller airports in the Caribbean as an Advisor on the Governing Board of ACI-LAC. This prestigious appointment not only recognizes our commitment to excellence but also provides an unparalleled opportunity for our staff to be exposed to international best practices and development.”

Managing Director Kurt Menal restated the Authority’s commitment to being an active aviation player in the region. Menal said, “Our two-year term as an advisor will see the Authority actively contributing to the council’s mission and vision, particularly focusing on air transport liberalisation in Latin America and the Caribbean and on actively addressing the perennial issue of intra-regional connectivity.”

Menal added the BVIAA’s new position in this international organisation will help the BVI as the territory seeks to develop the TB Lettsome airport.

“The Governing Board of ACI ensures that policy recommendations and activities represent the collective interests of ACI members and the Authority’s appointment will not only allow us to provide crucial leadership but also act as a strategic link between the Authority and over 700 business partners associated with ACI-LAC. This direct access is expected to strengthen the ongoing collaboration with the Government of the Virgin Islands, particularly in the ambitious Airport development project,” Menal stated.

The Airports Council International represents the collective interests of airports around the world to promote excellence in the aviation industry.

They do this by working with governments, regional ACI members, experts, and international organisations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to develop policies, programs, and best practices that advance airport standards globally.

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