Former Managing Director of the British Virgin Islands Airports Authority (BVIAA), Kurt A.G. Menal, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Antigua and Barbuda’s VC Bird International Airport, marking a return to regional airport leadership following his departure from the Virgin Islands earlier this year.
The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority announced that Menal officially assumed the role on August 1, following what it described as an extensive recruitment process spanning several months. The Board said it was confident that Menal’s extensive experience in airport management and civil aviation positioned him to lead VC Bird International Airport through its next phase of growth and development.
Menal brings nearly two decades of leadership experience in airport management, strategic planning and civil aviation across the Caribbean. Before taking up his new post in Antigua, he served as Managing Director of the British Virgin Islands Airports Authority, where he oversaw operations at the Territory’s three airports.
During his tenure in the Virgin Islands, Menal led a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening operational performance, improving regulatory compliance and expanding the Airports Authority’s commercial activities. His leadership coincided with a pivotal period for the Territory’s aviation sector, as discussions intensified over the long-awaited expansion of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport and broader efforts to modernise airport infrastructure to support the tourism industry.
The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority credited Menal with helping to ensure that the Territory’s airports played an important role in supporting the continued growth of the British Virgin Islands’ tourism-driven economy.
While Menal’s tenure included several operational initiatives aimed at strengthening the Territory’s airport system, it ended abruptly when his contract came to an early conclusion. The circumstances surrounding his departure were never publicly disclosed, prompting speculation and public discussion at the time.
Despite the questions surrounding his exit, the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority has expressed confidence in Menal’s leadership abilities, citing his extensive regional aviation experience, strategic vision and proven track record in airport management as key reasons for his appointment.
Before joining the British Virgin Islands Airports Authority, Menal served with the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, where he managed operations within one of the Caribbean’s busiest airport systems. He is credited with improving operational efficiency while strengthening airport safety and security standards in accordance with international aviation requirements.
Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority Board, Rolston Potter, praised Menal’s appointment, describing him as a leader with the experience and vision necessary to guide the country’s principal airport into its next phase of development.
“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,” Potter said.
“The Board feels assured that, under his leadership, VC Bird International Airport will continue to enhance its reputation as a modern, world-class gateway while supporting Antigua and Barbuda’s economic development and tourism expansion.”
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 (C.Dir.), credentials the Authority said reflect his commitment to excellence in airport leadership, strategic governance and executive management.
His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter in his regional aviation career, as he takes the helm of one of the Eastern Caribbean’s busiest international airports after a tenure in the British Virgin Islands that concluded sooner than many had anticipated.