Antiguan aviation veteran Miguel Southwell has been appointed interim chief executive officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA).

Southwell, founder and CEO of Brakkam Aviation, a global air transportation and management consultancy, will lead operations at VC Bird International Airport under a contract with his company.

Chairman of the authority, Rolston ‘Polly Potter, said Southwell’s role will be crucial in strengthening the day-to-day running of the airport and positioning Antigua and Barbuda on the “world stage”.

“We have contracted his company and his company has made him available to help us with the daily operations which we particularly need at this time — and to reorganise where possible, to fill the gaps and put us on a world stage,” Potter explained.

Southwell brings decades of experience, having begun his career at LIAT in 1974 before advancing to senior leadership roles in aviation management across the United States, the Caribbean and Africa. Brakkam Aviation has delivered consultancy services to major international airports, airlines and governments.

Speaking with ABS, Southwell said returning to contribute to his home country was “a privilege”.

“I’m excited with the vision of the chairman and I had a chance to meet with the minister to discuss their plans. I’m pleased to be part of that,” he said.

Southwell outlined two immediate priorities: maintaining world-class service standards at VC Bird International and strengthening staff development.

“The focus is on ensuring that the terminal remains world class and that our people are trained in a way to manage it. Succession planning is key,” he said.

He added that systems at both VC Bird International and Barbuda’s airport must deliver benefits “not only for staff, but for arriving and departing passengers”.