Ferrovial Vertiports Strengthens Global Leadership Team with Two Aviation Industry Leaders
Ferrovial, Vertiports, a subsidiary of global leading infrastructure operator Ferrovial, announced the appointments of two experienced aviation leaders – Bob Montgomery to senior vice president, head of Business Development, and Brad Miller to managing director, Vertiports – United Kingdom & EMEA – to help lead the development of a network of zero-carbon vertiports across the United States and parts of Europe.
“Ferrovial Vertiports has built a strong leadership team – drawing from Ferrovial’s deep experience in airport construction and management while attracting the best talent externally to bolster our industry knowledge – to play a key role in developing the infrastructure needed to launch the eVTOL industry,” said Luke Bugeja, CEO of Ferrovial Airports, which includes the Veriports business group. “The additions of Bob and Brad are important steps forward in our mission to help the industry provide this high-speed, affordable and emissions-free travel to millions of people.”
Vertiports are essential infrastructure for landing, recharging, and taking off with passengers and cargo of eVOTL aircraft. These intermodal centers, which are integrated into the city and adapted to the surrounding environment, reduce noise impact, allow zero operating emissions and improve energy efficiency through innovative design. Ferrovial, which has more than 20 years’ experience of investing, developing, and managing 33 airports around the world, envisions its vertiports to set the standard for an enjoyable and environmentally friendly experience, taking advantage of sunlight and natural elements, as well as green building practices, to reduce environmental and noise impact of the facilities.
Bob Montgomery Joins as Head of Business Development
Montgomery joins the company from Southwest Airlines where he served in various leadership roles for more than 43 years, including most recently as senior advisor. He was the longstanding vice president of airport affairs until late 2018, responsible for acquiring and developing all of Southwests’ facilities nationwide. He also served on the Oversight Committee for the Airport Cooperative Research Program (the ACRP) at the request of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
As head of business development, he will lead the identification of new business opportunities for Ferrovial Vertiports, including securing sites, negotiating leases, and supporting the associated infrastructure development with the goal of developing a series of vertiport networks across the United States. Montgomery will also work with eVTOL manufacturers and operators and other potential customers, to ensure each site-specific location meets their respective needs and develop strategic partnerships to ensure the success of the Vertiports initiatives. He will be based in the company’s Irving, Texas headquarters.
“Bob Montgomery brings an unmatched breadth of experience and in-depth knowledge from one of the most competitive aviation markets in the world. His insight and industry knowledge will be instrumental in the buildout of our vertiports networks for the benefit of local communities and the environment. We are delighted to have him on the team,” said Ferrovial Vertiports CEO Kevin Cox.
Brad Miller Joins as Managing Director, United Kingdom and EMEA
Miller joins Ferrovial Vertiports from Manchester Airports Group (MAG), with nearly three decades of airport operations and construction experience. In his role of managing director, Vertiports, Miller will oversee the development, operational readiness, and regular operations of the company’s planned vertiports networks in the United Kingdom and Spain.
At Manchester Airports Group, Miller most recently served as group transformation director where he was responsible for leading a company-wide cultural change program. Previously he was managing director of the group's e-commerce business, focusing on non-aeronautical revenues and new products, held chief operating officer roles at London Stansted and Manchester airports, and was responsible for group-wide construction and major projects. As MAG’s chief of staff, Miller brought together core support functions relating to people, assets, technology, and MAG’s business partners to improve consistently and operate more efficiently. He will be based in the company’s UK office.
“We are excited to add to our leadership team someone with Brad’s impressive credentials. He’ll oversee the development of two previously announced vertiport networks in the UK and Spain as well as others that are in the planning and discussion phases,” Cox said. “These ground-breaking projects will help to launch our vertiport networks for vehicles that will forever change urban transportation for the better, and the Ferrovial team is proud to serve a key role throughout this transformation.”
