AviationPros Podcast

Ground Support Worldwide Leaders of the Year 2025

Ground Support Worldwide recognizes the high-caliber individuals and forward-thinking companies making a difference in the ground support industry with its annual Leaders of the Year awards program.

Nominate a worthy candidate for Ground Support Worldwide’s Leaders of the Year program in one of four specific categories by Friday, April 25, 2025 by clicking here.       

Sacramento Airports Build to Meet Demand

Sacramento County Department of Airports Director Cindy Nichol talks with Airport Business Editor-in-Chief Joe Petrie about the latest updates on infrastructure investments and how they're seeing success growing air traffic into their system. 

Has BIL Delivered on Its Promise to U.S. Airports?

ACI-NA President Kevin Burke discusses the impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on airports and the progress of improvement projects.

Fulton County Executive Airport Comes Alive

Fulton County Director of Public Works David Clark talks with Joe Petrie about major improvements at Fulton County Executive Airport and how they're preparing to serve an influx of travelers for the 2026 World Cup. 

Build a Better Airport Concessions Program

Delaware North Travel COO Robert Thormeier discusses the current state of airport concessions and how technology and changing traveler preferences are recreating the way airports are serving the public. 

Airport Connectivity in the Age of AI

Boingo Vice President of Engineering Bill Marino discusses wi-fi needs in airports and how network connectivity can deliver next-generation in technology to airport operations. 

The Future of Private Aviation Car Service

Go Rentals Co-Founder and CEO Kaye Gitibin talks with Editor-in-Chief Joe Petrie about how new technology like AI will transform private aviation car service while reflecting on the company's 30 years of success. 

Justin Erbacci's Vision for ACI

Airports Council International World Director General Justin Erbacci talks with Editor-in-Chief Joe Petrie about the organization's future, challenges facing the airport industry and how technology is going to reshape how the world travels in the near future. 

Erbacci joined ACI in his current role in September 2024. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer – Airports at NEOM in Saudi Arabia and as Chief Executive Officer of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). He also excelled as Chief Operating Officer, Chief IT and Commercial Strategy Officer and Chief IT and Innovation Officer at LAWA.

Prior to his tenure at LAWA, Erbacci was Vice President of Customer Experience and Technology at the airline alliance Star Alliance Services GmbH. His ability to drive innovation and leverage technology was developed during his IT leadership roles at major global companies such as Credit Suisse and United Airlines. Earlier, he gained experience at management consultancies including Cambridge Management Consultants and Deloitte and Touche.

Erbacci also practiced law as a civil rights defense litigator.

Rebuilding Ukrainian Aviation: Lessons from Dubrovnik and the Path to Recovery

How do you rebuild an aviation system from the ground up after a devastating war? Ukrainian aviation leaders, alongside their North American and European partners, face this monumental challenge. In this special episode focused on Ukraine, we dive deep into the strategies and realities of rebuilding airports and the aviation network in a post-war landscape.

Editor-in-Chief Joe Petrie sits down with Tonci Peovic, the expert who led Dubrovnik Airport’s revival after the Balkans War. Peovic shares firsthand insights into the obstacles Ukrainian airport officials will encounter on the ground, the dangers of restarting operations in a war-torn environment, and the critical role Western leaders can play in supporting recovery efforts.

This episode offers powerful lessons in resilience, leadership, and international collaboration for aviation professionals. Whether you're an airport leader, consultant, or aviation enthusiast, this conversation is essential for understanding the future of Ukrainian airports and global aviation recovery efforts.

Rebuilding the Skies: Ukraine's Aviation Future

Editor-in-Chief Joe Petrie talks with Ukrainian aviation officials to explore the challenges and opportunities in rebuilding Ukraine’s airport network amid and after the ongoing conflict and how North American and European aviation leaders are spearheading efforts to help the nation.

From infrastructure damage to international collaboration, discover the critical needs and strategies shaping the future of aviation in Ukraine and their goal of building deeper into the European air system.