After an extensive recruitment process lasting several months, the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) has appointed seasoned aviation executive Kurt A.G. Menal as the new Chief Executive Officer of VC Bird International Airport.

Menal, whose appointment took effect on August 1, 2026, assumes leadership of the country’s main international gateway at a time when the airport continues to expand its operations and strengthen its position as a key hub for regional and international travel.

The Airport Authority’s Board said Menal emerged as the successful candidate following a comprehensive search and expressed confidence that his nearly 20 years of experience in airport management, strategic planning and civil aviation would help steer the airport through its next phase of growth.

Prior to joining the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority, Menal served as Managing Director of the British Virgin Islands Airports Authority, where he was responsible for overseeing the territory’s three airports. During his tenure, he introduced initiatives aimed at improving operational performance, strengthening regulatory compliance and enhancing commercial operations, while supporting the continued growth of the British Virgin Islands’ tourism-based economy.

Before that, he held a senior management position with the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, overseeing operations within one of the Caribbean’s busiest airport systems. His leadership there was credited with improving operational efficiency while reinforcing safety and security standards in accordance with international aviation requirements.

Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority Board, Rolston Potter, thanked the executive management team and staff for maintaining strong leadership throughout the recruitment process and welcomed Menal to the organisation.

“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.

He added that the Board is confident Menal’s leadership will help further strengthen VC Bird International Airport’s reputation as a modern, world-class gateway while supporting Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry and wider economic development.

Menal brings an impressive academic and professional background to the role. He holds a Master of Science in Air Transport Management, is recognised as an International Airport Professional (IAP) through Airports Council International’s Global Airport Management Professional Accreditation Programme, and is also a Chartered Director (C.Dir.).

The Airport Authority said those qualifications reflect his commitment to excellence in airport leadership, strategic governance and executive management.

His appointment marks a new chapter for VC Bird International Airport as the Authority continues its efforts to enhance operational efficiency, improve the passenger experience and support the continued growth of Antigua and Barbuda’s aviation and tourism sectors.