Former BVI airports boss appointed CEO of Antigua Airport
Former BVI Airports Authority Managing Director Kurt Menal has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Antigua and Barbuda’s VC Bird International Airport, just months after stepping down from his role in the Virgin Islands.
The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority announced that Menal was selected following what it described as “an extensive recruitment process spanning several months”, with the appointment taking effect on August 1, 2026. The authority said the experienced aviation executive would lead the airport through its next phase of growth and development.
The appointment marks Menal’s return to the leadership of a major Caribbean airport after serving as Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority from 2022 until his resignation in May this year. During his tenure in the Virgin Islands, the territory expanded air connectivity, including the launch of direct American Airlines service between Miami and Terrance B Lettsome International Airport, while the authority also pursued plans for the long-discussed airport expansion.
In announcing the appointment, the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority said its board was confident Menal possessed the experience needed to lead the country’s principal airport.
“Mr Menal’s strategic vision, his extensive regional experience and collaborative leadership style, and proven record of delivering transformational results convinced us that he is exceptionally well suited to lead the Authority into its next phase of growth,” Board Chairman Rolston Potter stated.
The board added: “The Board feels assured that, under his leadership, the VC Bird International will continue to enhance its reputation as a modern, world-class gateway while supporting Antigua and Barbuda’s economic development and tourism expansion.”
According to the release, Menal brings approximately two decades of leadership experience in airport management, strategic planning and civil aviation throughout the Caribbean. Before joining the BVI Airports Authority, he served with the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, where he oversaw operations at one of the region’s busiest airport systems and helped improve operational efficiency as well as safety and security standards.
The release also highlighted Menal’s achievements in the Virgin Islands, stating that he led initiatives which strengthened operational performance, enhanced regulatory compliance and expanded commercial performance across the territory’s three airports. It further credited him with helping to advance sustainable airport development and supporting the tourism-driven economy.
Menal holds a Master of Science in Air Transport Management and is an International Airport Professional through Airports Council International’s Global Airport Management Professional Accreditation Programme. He is also a Chartered Director — qualifications the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority said reflect his commitment to airport leadership, strategic governance and executive management.
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Why when someone who worked in the BVI moves on to another country to do something else ya’ll have to report it in BVI news? Ya’ll stalking these people to report on their new ventures? Is it necessary? Allow them to move on and focus on your own country.
This isn’t the only news site that reported about Mr Menal. Please chevk the other sites before gettimg so angry with bvinews. By the way, what do you suggest a news site report on, if not news? After all, most people love to read and hear about whats happening in other Caribbean Countries, in fact the entire World. We also love hearing when people excel even after leaving our shores. Stop battling bvinews, because all they are doing is reporting what most of us are interested in knowing. I don’t know the Owner or Managing Personnel of this news site but I’m happy to gain insight with not only whats happening in the Virgin Islands but throughout the Caribbean and the World at large.
You are right. Why we having to read news when we could be reading drivel from C.O.S-C.
We want more lazy drivel not news!!!
It is really amazing to watch how qualified hardworking locals and non locals are treated in the BVI. The government website advertise vacancies and yet fill it with friends and families. Education ministry especially, the same vacancy is advertised a million times.At the end, they interview people and say, oh they didn’t pass the interview. Only their people pass interviews. Apparently there are times when allegedly persons are placed in the job portal because they pass but a certain person has HR revoke it. This place is such a mess. We don’t want to hire qualified competent people, only want friends and families in positions. It’s crazy… That government site is just for the application to seem above board. But nothing and no one last forever. If you want to hire your friends or family then do so and stop wasting people time by letting them apply, interview then you reject them for personal reasons.