ACI World has announced that its Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira is to step away from his role at the end of 2024.

De Oliveira, who has to date helmed the trade association and self-styled ‘voice of the world’s airports’ for close to four years, will return to Europe with his family. A successor is yet to be named.

In a statement, ACI paid tribute to ‘a legacy of resilience, innovation, and progress’, adding that the aviation industry owes much to his leadership over the years, with ACI well-positioned to enjoy continued success.

His departure is intended to ease a smooth transition while ensuring the continued stability of the organisation, the statement continued.

Having succeeded Angela Gittens in 2020 as Director General as the Covid-19 pandemic took hold, Oliveira successfully steered the organisation through the aviation industry’s most turbulent period on record.

Among his many achievements, he strengthened the financial foundation of the association, doubling its reserves while increasing operational margins and reducing expenses, the statement continued.

He also oversaw a programme of digital transformation and information technology gains to futureproof ACI’s activities.

“Beacon of inspiration”

This was alongside building the authority and visibility of airports across the aviation industry, revitalising the Airport Management Accreditation Programme (AMPAP) and securing workplace recognition for ACI, increasing employee satisfaction by 23% – a level that exceeded industry benchmarks.

“Leading ACI World as Director General over the past four years has been a great honour,” said de Oliveira. “The mission that ACI champions, the benefits it weaves for our global members, our devoted staff who bring its vision to life, and the boundless social and economic impact of a flourishing aviation industry, all stir the embers of my spirit.

“My commitment to this noble cause will remain steadfast in my final year as ACI World Director General. It is with a heavy heart that I announce my departure, but with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude to the organisation. As I reflect on my next professional chapter with my family, I’m filled with optimism and drive to tackle new challenges.”

Sheik Aimen Al Hosni, CEO of Oman Airports and Chair of ACI World, stated: “It is with a deep sense of gratitude that we bid farewell to Luis Felipe de Oliveira. Over the past years, his leadership and camaraderie have been pivotal to our achievements at ACI World.

“His vision and friendship have been a beacon of inspiration, and while he will be greatly missed, we look forward to honouring his legacy as we continue to soar to new heights. On behalf of Oman Airports and the ACI World Board, we wish him every success in his future endeavours.”

Candace McGraw, CEO of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and incoming Chair of ACI World, added: “I thank Felipe for his dedicated and focused leadership during one of the most tumultuous periods in the history of aviation.

“We will work closely together over the next year to ensure the ongoing, continued success of the organisation during this transition.”

TRBusiness spoke to de Oliveira in a recent video interview coinciding with TR Sustainability Week in which he discussed the pathways to a more sustainable future for global airports. Click above to watch the exchange.