The Ontario International Airport Authority announced international aviation consultant Dan Cappell will join its executive ranks as chief commercial officer, a position integral to the future development of the Southern California airport. Cappell, a 29-year veteran of the international aviation industry and currently an OIAA consultant, will begin his full-time duties Dec. 9.
“We have had the benefit of Dan’s expertise and experience in his capacity as a consultant, so he is no stranger to all we’ve accomplished as well as our vision for Ontario as a first-rate international aviation gateway,” said Mark Thorpe, OIAA chief executive officer. “He’s keenly aware of what it takes to develop successful airports, and we look forward to the added value his many talents will bring to Ontario.”
Cappell has worked with airports in Baltimore, Denver, Phoenix and Charlotte, as well Orange County’s John Wayne Airport, in his capacity with Leigh Fisher Management Consultants, a global strategic management firm. Leigh Fisher is owned by Jacobs Engineering Group, which is focused on the aviation, infrastructure and surface transportation sectors. Cappell has played a leading role in the development of airport business plans, concession plans and strategic advertising opportunities.
Before joining Leigh Fisher, Cappell, a native of the United Kingdom, led a team of 66 executive and support personnel as acting commercial officer of Abu Dhabi Airports Company, which provides aviation services to five airports in the United Arab Emirates.
“Dan takes on his new role at a particularly exciting time for Ontario as the airport posts strong, steady gains in passenger volume and serves as a major cargo hub in the highly competitive Southern California market. His experience and know-how will add greatly to our team of dedicated professionals,” said Atif Elkadi, deputy chief executive officer.
Cappell commented, “I am honored to be joining the executive team at Ontario and contribute to the vision for growth as defined by the CEO and the board. Ontario has a dynamic and forward-thinking executive team, with incredibly exciting plans for the airport’s growth over the next 10 years. I can’t wait to get started.”
