Routes World presented Vicki Jaramillo, Chief Development Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), with the 2023 Individual Leadership Award. Jaramillo received the award during the group’s October conference in Istanbul.
Routes World supports the critical role of the air transport sector to expand air services and advance global economic growth, tourism and more. The Individual Leadership Award honors the lifetime achievement of an individual within the route development community and celebrates their contribution to the industry.
“I am truly honored to be the recipient of such a distinguished global award,” Jaramillo said. “The testimonials shared on my behalf are humbling. I have a talented team who helps me to promote the Central Florida region as a wonderful destination and Orlando International as a world-class airport. I am grateful to have the opportunity to develop air service for our region because it drives business, encourages connectivity and leads to economic prosperity.”
“Throughout her 30-year career at Orlando International, Vicki has guided tremendous growth,” GOAA CEO Kevin J. Thibault said. “Our passenger traffic was 21 million annually when she began several years ago, and it is now beyond 55 million. That’s an increase of 157% despite recessions, major hurricane events and a global pandemic. International traffic, an area in which Vicki is an expert, has increased 143% – a substantial testament to her work.”
Jaramillo's role to increase air connectivity and new routes benefits businesses in Central Florida. The airport is a major economic engine and vital to the region’s economy, connecting businesses, welcoming tourism, transporting people, and moving cargo to generate nearly $42 billion dollars in economic impact.
In her current role at GOAA, she provides oversight of Air Service Development, Airlines Relations, Cargo Development, Marketing, and Real Estate for GOAA. She has brought dozens of new routes to Orlando International, including nonstop service to Dubai, Frankfurt, Sao Paulo, Bogota, Santo Domingo, San Salvador, Dublin and other destinations.
A former Walt Disney World Ambassador, she began her career with the Florida Division of Tourism before working with international tourism groups in Miami-Dade County and as the Chief of Aviation Marketing for Miami International Airport.
Jaramillo’s community ties include Experience Kissimmee, the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Central Florida Business Travel Association, and Visit Orlando. She holds a bachelor of science in Marketing and Multinational Business from Florida State University.
Jaramillo was one of five people nominated; the other candidates were from Greece, Ireland, India and Malaysia.
