airportIR by Modalis - Open Mic Podcast
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.
airportIR by Modalis - Open Mic Podcast
IR Open Mic - 25-11 - Full Interview with Elizabeth Brown (Season 1, Episode 2)
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In this episode, Curtis chats with Elizabeth Brown, President & CEO of Victoria Airport Authority, operator of Victoria Int'l Airport (YYJ) in British Columbia, Canada. Together, Curtis and Elizabeth discuss global airport leadership, crisis management and how her experiences in Jamaica, California, Florida and Mexico are shaping the future of Victoria International Airport.
They dive into:
✈️ Elizabeth’s international career journey—from Edmonton to Montego Bay, Cross Border Xpress, Orlando Sanford and back home to Victoria.
🌏 Rebuilding after shocks: from an attempted hijacking and hurricanes in Jamaica to planning for growth and resilience at YYJ.
🤝 How Cross Border Xpress (CBX) unlocked a new model of binational airport access and what it taught her about partnerships, logistics and passenger experience.
💡 The future of Victoria International Airport—runway needs, changing fleets, accessibility, regulatory pressures and the role of private capital in Canadian airports.
Timestamps:
01:15 From Mexico at 13 years of age to Edmonton International: finding a career in airports
07:25 Attempted hijacking in Jamaica and lessons in crisis management and media relations
13:00 Returning to Canada and leading Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
18:00 Cross Border Xpress (CBX): a binational terminal reinventing border travel
30:00 A transformative commercial program at Montego Bay
36:00 Orlando Sanford, ultra-low-cost carriers and competing with major hubs
39:30 Private sector participation in Canadian and U.S. airports
46:00 Magic Mirror: Rapid-fire questions with Elizabeth
🎧 Tune in for insider perspectives from airport and aviation thought leaders.
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🌐 Visit https://airportir.com/open-mic to hear more episodes and stay informed about the global aviation developments that matter to you.
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