Echevarne holds a PhD in Airport Economics from Cranfield University (UK) and a Masters in Air Transport from Westminster University (UK). He recently ran his own airport economics and management consultancy firm and previously occupied positions in companies in Europe, Australasia and the Middle East, including: Ferrovial, Copenhagen Airports, Abu Dhabi Airports Company and Airways Corporation of New Zealand. He has been actively involved in the privatization and development of aeronautical infrastructure and the provision of consultancy services worldwide, covering the fields of airports, airlines and air traffic control. Dr. Echevarne regularly lectures in a number of postgraduate aviation programmes.

 

Dr. Echevarne will succeed Andreas Schimm, who joined ACI World in May of 2003 and took over the economics portfolio in 2006. Mr. Schimm had earlier decided not to move to Montreal, preferring to remain in Europe for personal reasons.

 

ACI World Director General Angela Gittens welcomed the appointment, “Rafael promises to be a key player in adding value for our members in the vital area of airport economics. He has a rare combination of superb academic credentials and broad, practical industry experience. His background in airport privatization is particularly welcome, as we are quite likely looking at a new wave of privatizations as the world economy picks up steam. This is a huge plus for a global organization such as ours. I am delighted that he will be joining our team.”

Dr. Echevarne is no stranger to ACI World. He has delivered several courses for ACI Global Training and has been a speaker at ACI events as well. Commenting on his move to ACI, he observed, “It is very exciting to become a part of the ACI family. Airports currently face many important economic challenges but great opportunities are also opening up. I look forward to working with ACI members worldwide to provide the necessary support to ensure that airports continue to lead as catalysts for socioeconomic activity in an increasingly competitive aviation industry.”