The Board of Directors and Management of the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) received training as they hosted the Director General of the Airports Council International for Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC), Dr. Rafael Echevarne from November 21 to 22.

Dr. Echevarne facilitated an Airports Economics Seminar with the senior members of the BVIAA staff and board.  He reviewed and explored the principles and characteristics of airport economics and the economic regulations to consider when generating revenue and developing new models of business.

 Managing Director of BVIAA Mr. Kurt Menal said Dr. Echevarne was invited to engage in discussions surrounding ACI, capacity building and advise on airport development.

“As we continue our focus on enhancing the traveler’s experience and by improving the efficiency of the organisation, we look forward to ACI’s many contributions in assisting us to obtain this goal,” said Managing Director Menal.

 As a member of ACI, the BVIAA receives a myriad of benefits including opportunities for staff training, in related fields and serving on ACI committees such as Safety and Technical; General Aviation; Economics and Marketing among others.

During the visit the Director General had a joint courtesy call with Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley; Deputy Premier and Minister for Communications and Works (subject minister) Honourable Kye M. Rymer; Financial Secretary, Mr. Jeremiah Frett; Chairman of the BVIAA Board of Directors, Mr. Theodore Burke; Managing Director BVIAA, Mr. Kurt Menal; and Deputy Managing Director for Administration, BVIAA, Mrs. Luce Hodge-Smith.

Airports Council International (ACI) represents the collective interests of airports around the world to promote excellence in the aviation industry. Working with governments, regional ACI members, experts, and international organisations like the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) enables ACI to develop policies, programmes and best practices that advance airport standards globally.