Albano formally took over from his illustrious predecessor, Christian Schulthess from Switzerland, on 1st April 2019. In this interview with Albano we find out a little more about his background and ambitions.

Albano, could you perhaps tell us how your many years of experience in the Portuguese Air Force shaped you both as a person and professionally?

I joined the Portuguese Air Force at the age of 17 and spent around 30 years in the organization, moving from the South to the North of the country, including the Azores Islands. What I am today, both as person and as a professional, is very much the product of almost three decades in working in the world of aviation. I would like to put a special emphasis on the eight years I spent at Terceira Island (Lajes Air Base/Terceira International Airport), where I worked in a multinational environment, in the field of ATM, Air Operations, Search and Rescue, Airport Operations, Aerodrome Design and Maintenance. At the same time, two of my three kids were born on the island. In my last four years in the PAF, I was the Head of ATM, which gave me the professional boost to transition into civil aviation. During this period I was involved in some important projects like the implementation of Free Route Airspace in Lisbon FIR, and the New Lisbon Airport, which is still ongoing.

What would you describe as your most rewarding work experience?

The most rewarding work experience was for sure being the CEO/Chairman of the Board of NAV Portugal. It was a privilege to be able to put my experience, knowledge and personality at the service of a company with a workforce of around 1000 qualified professionals. I believe I played a major role in putting the company on the right track for a full integration in the SESAR project, by negotiating the accession of NAV Portugal to the COOPANS Alliance. I also tried to give more visibility to the company’s role in the international arena, representing NAV Portugal at various events in four different continents, including a presentation in 2016 about its involvement in international partnerships and projects at the ATC Global Conference in Beijing. But I cannot forget my days in the military and some particularly special moments, like contributing to saving lives in the Atlantic Ocean, or the fulfilment I got from working in a Ground Controlled Approach facility, guiding aircraft on a Cat I Precision Approach, following just my voice.

What are some of the challenges you think may face during your tenure as ANC Member?

I think the biggest challenge will be to be able to actively contribute to the work programme of the ANC, making sure I use all my previous experience in aviation in an independent manner. Also, I hope that during the next 3 years I can contribute as much as possible to the visibility of the Abis group, both within its Member States as well as in ICAO as a whole.

In what specific field do you think your experience and background can bring something to the table?

Of course ATM is the area I feel more comfortable in, but I think I can also participate actively in the areas of AIM, CNS, AGA, MET and SMS, since I also have some experience in those subjects. However, I’m sure it’s always possible to contribute somehow in all the other subject matters within the scope of the ANC.

Finally, how do you imagine three years of working at ICAO and living in Montreal?

I think it is going to be an amazing experience. So far, in these first three months, it has been a very positive one, even though it has been one of the worst winters in a long time, according to the locals. But I think Montreal is a great city, with a lot to offer to anyone who enjoys engaging with the local community and experiencing different cultures. Working in an international environment like the one at 999 boulevard Robert-Bourassa makes it even more interesting, considering that you meet and work with people from all over the world.