Airports trade body Airports Council International (ACI) World has announced that Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira will step down from his role at the end of 2024.

De Oliveira assumed the role in June 2020, having previously led the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association for three years. Prior to his tenure there, he held positions at Shell, IATA and World Fuel Services.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my departure, but with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude to the organization,” de Oliveira says. His decision to leave the Montreal-based association stems from a desire to return to Europe with his family.

ACI World underscored de Oliveira's contributions, citing his efforts in doubling reserves, boosting operational margins and implementing cost-saving measures to enhance the organization's financial stability. He also led a successful digital transformation.

Beyond financial achievements, the association praised his leadership in guiding airports during the pandemic and supporting their recovery, as well as his role in revitalizing the Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program.

“I thank Felipe for his dedicated and focused leadership during one of the most tumultuous periods in the history of aviation,”  says Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport CEO and incoming Chair of ACI World Candace McGraw. “We will work closely together over the next year to ensure the ongoing, continued success of the organization during this transition.”

Speaking on the Window Seat podcast recorded at Routes World 2023 in October, de Oliveira discussed the outlook for passenger traffic globally, the major challenges facing airports and how the airport business model is changing, including ACI World’s work with the World Economic Forum to address the energy, infrastructure and financing needs of airports.