Miguel Southwell
The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) has brought in Brakkam Aviation Management, LLC to provide interim executive leadership as the body prepares for a major international aviation audit.
The move comes as the Authority faces a leadership gap with no permanent Chief Executive Officer in place. Brakkam, based in Atlanta, Georgia, will manage day-to-day executive functions, oversee the search for a new CEO, and advise on upgrades to airport operations, passenger services, and environmental standards.
ABAA oversees V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua and Barbuda International Airport. Its chairman, Rolston Potter, said the decision is part of a wider strategy to strengthen both facilities ahead of the 2026 audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Potter also noted that the Authority is at a pivotal stage in its growth as an international hub, requiring world-class management systems.
“Brakkam brings proven leadership and expertise within the global aviation sector, positioning the ABAA to meet and exceed international standards,” Potter said.
Brakkam has advised airports and governments across the globe, including China’s Guangdong Airport Authority, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the Airports Authority of Jamaica, and the governments of St. Lucia and the British Virgin Islands.
Leading the project in Antigua and Barbuda will be Brakkam founder Miguel Southwell, who is also an Antiguan national. Southwell, who takes up the role of Interim CEO on September 29, previously managed Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest passenger hub, and held senior posts at Miami International Airport.
With more than four decades of industry experience, he has also worked with Airports Council International (ACI) and advised CARICOM on improving regional air connectivity.
The ABAA says the interim arrangement will provide stability during a transitional period while setting the stage for long-term improvements in efficiency, financial sustainability, and passenger experience.
Temporary leadership is fine, but we need a clear plan for long-term management. Fingers crossed!
Hopefully he lasts longer than those before him
What Dramatic move this yah be
I came back to ask this question…We know too well that hiring an overseas firm isn’t cheap. How much is this going to cost taxpayers? Is it sustainable or just a quick fix for the audit. Ya so how much
A whole delegation to do just this. Aye Antigua can waste a money boiii
That VC Bird already works well most of the time, but baggage handling and delays are issues. If Brakkam can fix those, it’s worth it
Why do we always have to bring in foreigners? Aren’t there qualified Antiguans who can run the airport? We should be building our own capacity, not outsourcing
We await the positive changes…I really dont see it necessary but Im not an aviation specilaist
Southwell is incompetent and a crook. He will aim to line his pockets at the Authority’s and publics’ detriment.
We just hope the new leadership listens to the workers on the ground. We are the ones who know the daily issues.