New CEO for YXU
Current Diamond Aircraft exec Scott McFadzean has been appointed president and CEO of the London International Airport
Photo: Scott McFadzean
THE BOARD OF directors of the Greater London International Airport Authority (GLIAA) announced on Tuesday the appointment of Scott McFadzean as president & CEO of the London International Airport, effective January 31, 2022.
McFadzean succeeds Mike Seabrook who announced he will be retiring at the end of January 2022 after ten years leading the organization that operates London International Airport.
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“Scott is a visionary leader with an excellent track record in aviation having lead organizations through periods of enormous challenge, innovation and growth” said Don Bryant, board chair, in a release from the airport. “The GLIAA board undertook a comprehensive search for a new leader that will guide London International Airport through its next phase of growth and development. We are pleased that we found a London based executive with the energy, passion and experience to continue with our strategic vision to make London International Airport the ‘gateway’ in Southwestern Ontario.”
McFadzean joins LIA following nearly 20 years with Diamond Aircraft Canada, with the last five years as CEO. He took over leadership at Diamond during a significant time of change at the company and helped to transform the business and service model, delivering profitable operations and strong aircraft sales leading to record company growth.
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McFadzean takes the stick at the airport at a turbulent time. The pandemic has seen flights drop significantly ― at one point there was just one scheduled flight a day. LIA currently has 14 flights daily into and out of London, all to Toronto on Air Canada or Westjet and no international flights.
Prior to the pandemic, there were more than 40 flights and 2,500-plus passengers in and out of London on a daily basis.
Making matters worse is the fact that the airport remains unable to resume international flights. Last month, federal government gave the green light to international flights returning to Waterloo and Hamilton, but LIA still remain on the sidelines.
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A graduate of the Western University Commercial Aviation Management Program, with graduate studies at Georgetown University, ESADE Business School and Harvard University, McFadzean is a licensed pilot with considerable insight into the aviation industry.
“I am excited to lead the London International Airport through this difficult pandemic period and position the organization for strong and continued growth,” said McFadzean. “I look forward to being an integral part of the London community and contributing to further growth for the City of London and the surrounding region.” 