All change at the top for ACI World

It will soon be all change at the top for ACI World with the news that former Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) CEO, Justin Erbacci, will replace the outgoing Luis Felipe de Oliveira, as director general and CEO in September.

Erbacci, who briefly served as CEO of NEOM Airports after leaving LAWA, brings a wealth of experience to ACI World having held a number of executive positions at LAWA before taking the top job.

His career also includes notable roles at Star Alliance, Credit Suisse, United Airlines, Reese McMahon LLC, Cambridge Management Consultants, and Deloitte Touche.

With a proven track record of leadership and strategic vision, he is well-equipped to lead ACI World into its next phase of growth and development.

In his new role, Erbacci will be responsible for representing the organisation on the global stage, implementing policies formulated by the General Assembly and World Governing Board, and driving membership growth – working closely with ACI Regions and stakeholders to advance the organisation’s mission.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be selected by fellow airport executives to serve and represent them as director general and CEO of ACI World,” enthused Erbacci.

“I am very excited to get started and look forward to working closely with the ACI World team, the ACI Regions, and our members – both airports and World Business Partners – to address the challenges and opportunities facing the aviation industry, to further strengthen the role of airports as drivers of economic growth and development and to help transform the travel experience.”

Candace McGraw, CEO of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and chair of ACI World, stated: “Justin brings a unique blend of proven leadership, global aviation experience, and strategic vision to ACI World.

“After an extensive global search, the Board and I are very pleased to welcome Justin to ACI World in his new role. We are confident that under his guidance, ACI World will continue to successfully serve as the leading advocate for the global airport community.”

The outgoing de Oliveira, who has served as director general of ACI World since 2020, said: “After four challenging, yet fruitful years at ACI, I am delighted to pass the baton to our new director general and CEO to continue the improvement and leadership of this fantastic organisation.

“I am confident in Justin’s ability to lead ACI World to great heights. His international experience and knowledge of the entire aviation sector will definitely help ACI continue to champion the global airport community, while fostering innovation and collaboration to shape the future of the sector.

“I will personally engage in the transition to ensure Justin’s seamless integration in Montréal and assist him in navigating our complex yet dynamic ecosystem that transcends borders, propelling our collective journey towards a brighter future in the skies.”

Despite joining ACI World at a hugely difficult time for aviation and, indeed the world, de Oliveira’s tenure at the ‘voice of the world’s airports’ has been marked by significant strides in enhancing global airport standards and fostering collaboration within the aviation community.

Under his leadership, ACI World has prioritised key sustainability initiatives and milestones, advocated for regulatory frameworks that support airport development, and facilitated knowledge sharing among member airports.