Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) has announced the appointment of Dan Cappell as Chief Commercial Officer.

Cappell, a 29-year veteran of the international aviation industry and currently an OIAA consultant, will begin full-time duties on 9 December 2019.

Mark Thorpe, Chief Executive Officer, OIAA said: “We have had the benefit of Dan’s expertise and experience in his capacity as a consultant, so he is no stranger to all we’ve accomplished as well as our vision for Ontario as a first-rate international aviation gateway. He’s keenly aware of what it takes to develop successful airports and we look forward to the added value his many talents will bring to Ontario.”

The highly respected Cappell has worked with airports in Baltimore, Denver, Phoenix, Charlotte and Orange County’s John Wayne Airport in his capacity with global strategic management company, Leigh Fisher Management Consultants.

LEADING DEVELOPMENT ROLE

Leigh Fisher is owned by Jacobs Engineering Group, which is focused on the aviation, infrastructure and surface transportation sectors. Cappell has played a leading role in the development of airport business plans, concession plans and strategic advertising opportunities.

Before joining Leigh Fisher, Cappell led a team of 66 executive and support personnel as Acting Chief Commercial Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports Company, which provides aviation services to five airports in the United Arab Emirates. He officially left the role in February 2018.

Atif Elkadi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, OIAA commented: “Dan takes on his new role at a particularly exciting time for Ontario as the airport posts strong, steady gains in passenger volume and serves as a major cargo hub in the highly competitive Southern California market. His experience and know-how will add greatly to our team of dedicated professionals.”

Cappell remarked: “I am honoured to be joining the executive team at Ontario and contribute to the vision for growth as defined by the CEO and the board. Ontario has a dynamic and forward-thinking executive team, with incredibly exciting plans for the airport’s growth over the next 10 years. I can’t wait to get started.”