St. John’s, NL, 2019-Feb-25 — /Travel PR News/ — St. John’s International Airport Authority Board of Directors announced today ( February 20, 2019) that Keith Collins, President and CEO, will retire from his position at the end of June 2019 following 15 years of leading the organization through extensive growth and advancement.
“I want to thank Keith on behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire community for his strong leadership, long-term vision, and his passion to build a bigger and better gateway for our city and our province; one of which our entire community can be proud,” said Art Cheeseman, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Mr. Collins’ emphasis on the strategic investment in Airport infrastructure, prudent financial management, growth of airline capacity, and retaining and fostering a knowledgeable and dedicated staff has been influential in guiding the Airport Authority through a major positive transition that now places it in a very confident position for its future growth and development. We have been fortunate to have an individual of Mr. Collins’ calibre and we extend best wishes for a well-deserved retirement.”
Keith Collins joined the Airport Authority as President and CEO in January 2005 following a long and successful career that now spans 46 years, with much of that time spent in senior level positions. Upon taking the helm, Mr. Collins implemented a strategic business approach to the Airport to ensure long-term, sustainable business and financial growth, and to create an exceptional airport experience at Newfoundland and Labrador’s principal transportation gateway.
Since 2005, passenger volumes have increased by 28% and airline seat capacity has grown by 35% through increased choice of airlines and destinations served. More than $287.5 million has been invested in the infrastructure of the Airport to increase physical capacity to meet growth in demand; to enhance safety and efficiency of operations; and to comply with regulatory requirements. Mr. Collins has led the organization through the creation and implementation of the overall Infrastructure Improvement and Expansion Plan that resulted in the first phase of the Airport Terminal Building expansion being completed on time and on budget. Perhaps one of the most transformational projects completed during Mr. Collin’s tenure was the installation of a Category 3 Instrument Landing System that has nearly eliminated the impact of low visibility on aircraft operations and reversed the region’s reputation for being inaccessible, especially during certain times of the year. Throughout the construction of these extensive projects, the Airport’s overall passenger satisfaction ratings have consistently exceeded 80%.
The Airport Authority has also attracted new investment and services that resulted in 50 acres of Airport land being developed by private investors. These new investments have added new amenities to the Airport landscape, and the land lease revenue contributes to the growth of non-aeronautical revenue; a strategic objective of the Airport Authority.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the Airport Authority over the past 15 years, during a period of such growth and transition. I want to sincerely thank the Board of Directors for giving me that opportunity and for their confidence in me. I also want to thank the members of my Senior Leadership Team for their remarkable counsel and all of the Authority’s employees for their contributions in achieving our major objectives over the past decade and a half. I will continue to advance the Authority’s priorities until I leave this coming summer, and I look forward to the next chapter of my life,” said Keith Collins.
The Board of Directors will now begin the search process for a new President and CEO.
St. John’s International Airport Authority is a private, not-for-profit organization with the mandate to provide the region with a safe, cost-efficient transportation facility that is a catalyst for economic growth. Under the provisions of a long-term Ground Lease with the Federal Government of Canada, the Airport Authority is responsible for the airport’s operations on behalf of the community it serves.
Media contact:
Marie Manning
Director – Marketing and Business Development
St. John’s International Airport Authority
709-758-8564, 709-690-9319
mmanning@stjohnsairport.com
www.stjohnsairport.com
Source: St. John’s International Airport Authority