Welcome to Open Mic, the airport- and aviation-focused podcast hosted by Curtis Grad, Chief Executive and Founding Partner of Modalis Infrastructure Partners. Each episode features in-depth conversations with global aviation leaders—airport executives, investors, innovators, and policy experts—exploring the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the airport and aviation landscape.
In this episode, Curtis speaks with Lorenzo Di Loreto, Chief Operating Officer of lux-Airport in Luxembourg. Drawing on a career spanning airlines, airport investment, international consulting, and airport operations, Lorenzo shares his perspective on building high-performing airport organizations, navigating global infrastructure projects, and transitioning from business development to leading the day-to-day operations of a growing international airport.
They dive into:
✈️ Lorenzo's international aviation journey—from Air France and Royal Air Maroc to Samsung C&T, Munich Airport International, Vision Invest, and now lux-Airport.
🌍 The evolution of airport investment, public-private partnerships, and the growing sophistication of airport concessions around the world.
🏗️ Why airport leadership requires balancing long-term strategy with operational execution in a constantly changing environment.
🤝 The importance of culture, adaptability, and developing resilient teams capable of managing both daily operations and future transformation.
💡 What it's like stepping into the role of Chief Operating Officer at lux-Airport as the airport prepares for significant long-term growth and expansion.
Timestamps:
2:52 Time at Samsung C&T
6:46 Airport concessions, PPPs and international infrastructure projects
7:09 Leading growth at Munich Airport International
10:59 The changing aviation landscape in the Middle East
14:23 Crazy stories
18:40 Building resilient airport teams and organizational culture
25:28 Global careers, family and adapting to new cultures
31:04 Magic Mirror: Rapid-fire questions with Lorenzo
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