ACI World appoints Justin Erbacci as new Director General and CEO

ACI World appoints Justin Erbacci as new Director General and CEO. CREDIT: ACI WORLD.

ACI World has announced a new appointment as its Director General and CEO – Justin Erbacci, the former Los Angeles World Airports and NEOM CEO. Erbacci is set to join ACI World in September 2024. 

Justin Erbacci’s record of leadership

Justin Erbacci assumed the position of CEO at LAWA from 2020 to 2023. Prior to that, he held the roles of Chief Operating Officer, Chief Innovation and Commercial Strategy Officer, and Chief Innovation and Technology Officer at LAWA too. His work history demonstrates his versatility and commitment to innovation, within the aviation industry.

He has also held notable roles Star Alliance, Credit Suisse, United Airlines, Reese McMahon LLC, Cambridge Management Consultants, and Deloitte Touche. He has a proven track record of leadership and strategic vision, making him well-suited to lead ACI World and help develop and grow the organisation. 

In his new role, Justin Erbacci will be responsible for representing the organisation on the global stage, implementing policies formulated by the General Assembly and World Governing Board, and driving membership growth—working closely with ACI Regions and stakeholders to advance the organisation’s mission.  

Responses by ACI World representatives

“It is an honour and a privilege to be selected by fellow airport executives to serve and represent them as Director General and CEO of ACI World,” said Justin Erbacci. “I am very excited to get started and look forward to working closely with the ACI World team, the ACI Regions, and our members—both airports and world business partners—to address the challenges and opportunities facing the aviation industry, to further strengthen the role of airports as drivers of economic growth and development and to help transform the travel experience.”

ACI World Chair Candace McGraw, also CEO of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, welcomed the appointment, stating, “Justin brings a unique blend of proven leadership, global aviation experience, and strategic vision to ACI World. After an extensive global search, the Board and I are very pleased to welcome Justin to ACI World in his new role. We are confident that under his guidance, ACI World will continue to successfully serve as the leading advocate for the global airport community.”

Erbacci succeeds Luis Felipe de Oliveira, who served from 2020­­-2024 as Director General and CEO of ACI World. De Oliveira’s tenure at ACI World has been marked by significant strides in enhancing global airport standards and fostering collaboration within the aviation community. Under his leadership, ACI World has prioritised key sustainability initiatives and milestones, advocated for regulatory frameworks that support airport development, and facilitated knowledge sharing among member airports.

ACI World Director and CEO General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said “After four challenging yet fruitful years at ACI, I am delighted to pass the baton to our new Director General and CEO to continue the improvement and leadership of this fantastic organisation. I am confident in Justin’s ability to lead ACI World to great heights. His international experience and knowledge of the entire aviation sector will definitely help ACI continue to champion the global airport community, while fostering innovation and collaboration to shape the future of the sector. I will personally engage in the transition to ensure Justin’s seamless integration in Montreal and assist him in navigating our complex yet dynamic ecosystem that transcends borders, propelling our collective journey towards a brighter future in the skies.”