Joost Meijs to resign as Aruba Airport CEO in summer 2024

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Joost Meijs, who has been at the helm of Aruba Airport Authority N.V. (AAA) as CEO since August 2019, will depart from his position upon the conclusion of his five-year term.

Under his leadership, alongside the collective efforts of AAA management and the airport’s entire workforce, the airport has witnessed substantial enhancements over the past few years.

Entering 2019, the primary focus for the management was the execution of the ambitious Gateway 2030 project, aimed at extensive investments in the airport’s terminal and vital infrastructure. The project’s initial phase, featuring a new baggage system and check-in area, is slated for completion in mid-2024, with over USD 140 million invested, primarily by Aruban builders. The second phase, introducing new waiting areas and gates, is expected to commence in the summer of 2024. Preliminary activities for the third and final phase have begun, culminating in a total investment exceeding USD 300 million for Gateway 2030.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 introduced a challenging period of uncertainty for the Aruban airport, significantly impacting its revenue due to a decrease in passenger numbers and casting doubts on the pace of recovery. By 2024, the airport had successfully rebounded from the pandemic’s effects, achieving record passenger numbers and financial stability, with an 8% increase in passengers in 2023 compared to 2019, and a projected 11% increase in 2024 over 2019.

In 2021, a forward-looking corporate strategy was devised in collaboration with the staff to position Aruba Airport as a leading sustainable, secure, and innovative hub in South America and the Caribbean, focusing on employee development, service quality and infrastructure, innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.

In 2023, the airport earned high ratings for customer satisfaction (4.50) and experience (4.32) on a 5-point scale, and employee engagement reached a peak score of 3.82. Notably, in 2022, Aruba Airport became the world’s first to receive the Green Globe certification. During Aruban Integrity Week, it was recognized for its commitment to integrity, transparency, sustainability, and social responsibility.

Aruba Airport initiated the Dutch Caribbean Cooperation of Airports (DCCA) to enhance the quality and safety of the region’s airports through collaboration and shared knowledge. This initiative has led to the introduction of the first electric aircraft in the Caribbean, marking a significant step towards sustainable regional connectivity.

The centenary of aviation in Aruba was celebrated in 2023, featuring various activities including an aviation exhibition, the unveiling of a bronze replica of the island’s first aircraft, and the issuance of a commemorative coin. The celebrations highlighted the airport’s rich heritage and its commitment to community engagement and cultural preservation.

Joost Meijs, CEO AAA: “I enjoy leading this ambitious airport and will continue to do so until the end of my appointment term in the summer of 2024. Aruba Airport has a fantastic team, and it is thanks to the good work and enormous commitment of all colleagues that the airport has become so successful in implementing our business strategy. Also, the strong partnerships with external parties including the Ministry of Tourism, Directorate of Aviation, Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), the Aruban Hotel and Timeshare Association (AHATA) and airport partners including customs, immigration, US CBP, concessionaires, and ground handling companies are and will remain crucial to the airport’s successes.”

Gerald Tsu, Chairman of the Supervisory Board: “The connection of Joost with Schiphol International is proof of his outstanding reputation in the field of airport management. His problem-solving skills and getting things done mentality are consistently demonstrated by his ability to bridge gaps. With a new corporate strategy and with the help of the leadership team and all employees of AAA, Aruba Airport has overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic under his leadership as CEO. We warmly thank him for his contribution to AAA and wish him success in the final months of his appointment period and in all his future activities.”

Dangui Oduber, Minister of Tourism and Healthcare: Aruba Airport is crucial for the economy of Aruba and the well-being of its residents. I am proud that the airport is a stable and forward-looking organization, serving as an example for other airports in the region. Our airport is now a leader in sustainability. We thank Joost Meijs for his professional contribution to the organization and for leading AAA during the past 5 years. We wish him much success for the future!”

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