AIG welcomes Curtis Grad, CEO

Commenting on the appointment, Chairman of AIG, Mr. Salem Al Ameri, "We are delighted to welcome Curtis Grad to this strategic project, which will have a dramatic impact on the development of Jordan and the broader Levant region. Curtis joins us at a critical stage of the redevelopment and expansion process of QAIA. He brings extensive international experience of managing similar developments from his time in Canada, Jamaica and, more recently, Cyprus, and we will be leveraging that experience to deliver change and create an airport that will transform passengers' travel experience."

Salem Al Ameri added, "The real change will come with the opening of the new terminal. This will be an absolute world class facility which will rival any regional airport and something which Jordan will be truly proud of, as it welcomes business and leisure travellers alike."

"On behalf of the international partners in AIG operating here in Jordan, we are very pleased to see Curtis join our team. Much work has already been delivered in making QAIA an a truly international airport. However we are well aware of the challenges that lie ahead and have much more work ahead of us. Our plans for the new airport need someone with Curtis' calibre and experience to improve quality of service and drive standards ever higher, whilst at the same time creating opportunities for the highly talented local work force," said Mr. Eyad Rashad, Vice Chairman, AIG.

Extensive refurbishment and cleaning of the existing airport has already started with painting and modernization of existing facilities such as ceilings, internal and external walls; improved toilet facilities for passengers; reorganization and enlargement of the passenger check-in area, as well as a review of, and changes to, the general management of passenger flow through the airport. More changes have been planned and are due to be implemented shortly."

Curtis Grad joins the AIG team from Larnaca International Airport, Cyprus where he held the role of General Manager for two years, under a similar public-private-partnership, build-operate-transfer concession with the Republic of Cyprus. Prior to Cyprus, Curtis was the Vice President of Operations at the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, Jamaica from 2003 - 2006; and from 1999 to 2002 as Airport General Manager of Abbotsford International Airport, British Columbia, Canada.

Mr. Grad expressed his delight in joining AIG, stating "I'm looking forward to adding my input and enthusiasm into this exciting project, as we work to transform QAIA into a world class facility."

The $700m rehabilitation and expansion works at QAIA are underway with the new passenger terminal expected to extend over 85,000 square meters. AIG, under the terms of a 25-year concession agreement, is responsible for the operation of the airport, the rehabilitation of existing facilities and the construction of the new terminal.

AIG comprises of the Edgo Group, Noor Financial Investment Company, Joannou & Paraskevaides (Overseas) Limited, J&P-Avax, Abu Dhabi Investment Company, and Aéroports de Paris Management.