Nieuport Aviation appoints new CEO


TORONTO, Sept. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nieuport Aviation Infrastructure Partners GP (Nieuport Aviation) today announced the appointment of Neil Pakey as its new Chief Executive Officer at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s passenger terminal, effective September 24, 2018. Mr. Pakey will replace Giulio Leucci, who has served as Acting Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis since January 2018.  Mr. Leucci will return to the Nieuport Aviation Advisory Board seat he previously held on behalf of Partners Group, a shareholder of Nieuport Aviation alongside InstarAGF Asset Management, institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management, and Kilmer Van Nostrand Co.

“Neil is an accomplished leader with deep relationships in the aviation and aerospace industry, and we are delighted to welcome him to Nieuport Aviation and the award-winning Billy Bishop Airport,” said Gregory Smith, President and CEO of InstarAGF and Executive Chairman of Nieuport Aviation’s Board of Directors. "Our terminal is critical transportation infrastructure for the city of Toronto and surrounding area and an important driver of regional economic growth.  With Neil’s leadership, we look forward to further developing innovative infrastructure and contributing to Toronto’s success as an international gateway.”

Nieuport Aviation owns and operates the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which is the ninth largest airport in Canada and beloved by passengers for its service, speed and convenience.  Mr. Pakey will have responsibility for further developing and leading the passenger terminal’s strategy and operations to ensure Nieuport Aviation delivers on its value commitment to passengers, partners and stakeholders. He arrives as Nieuport Aviation completes its terminal upgrade project, which includes introducing first-ever retail, food and beverage amenities and upgrading the passenger lounge design with more space and comfort.

During his career, Mr. Pakey has served as the CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, the Peel Airports Group, and as Managing Director of Liverpool John Lennon Airport.  Mr. Pakey ‘s experience includes working with two airlines: British Caledonian Airways where he served in ramp, cargo and passenger services, and Air Seychelles where he served as General Manager, Marketing. In addition, Mr. Pakey has held senior roles at the Vantage Airports Group and at Manchester Airport, and was seconded to the European Commission’s air policy division for three years as a national expert in air transport policy.  

“Toronto is often envied by other cities for having a downtown city airport that delivers billions per year in economic benefit for the community it serves, and Nieuport's partners Ports Toronto, Porter and Air Canada should be commended for the successes to date,” said Mr. Pakey. “Billy Bishop Airport is a modern, state-of-the-art airport and we now have many opportunities on our horizon, including constructing a new U.S. Customs Pre-Clearance facility. I am excited to build on and implement these plans in a sustainable way”.

About Nieuport Aviation Infrastructure Partners GP

Nieuport Aviation is a consortium of long-term infrastructure owners and operators with a deep local presence, significant international expertise in managing aviation infrastructure, and a commitment to world-class customer service.  Its partners include InstarAGF Asset Management, Partners Group, institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management, and Kilmer Van Nostrand Co.

In addition to managing the terminal, Nieuport Aviation offers passengers a free bus shuttle service between the airport and downtown Toronto, helping to provide a seamless travel experience.

Nieuport Aviation works closely with PortsToronto, the owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, and the airport’s other stakeholders to deliver an exceptional passenger experience.

For further information:

Rebecca Thompson
Director of Communications, Marketing and Government Relations
Nieuport Aviation Infrastructure Partners GP
Email: rebecca.thompson@nieuport.com
Tel:  416-473-0755