St Maarten Airport Taps Former Winair Chief as New CEO
St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport, one of the Caribbean’s busiest air hubs, has named Michael Cleaver as its new CEO, ssucceeding Brian Mingo.
Cleaver, who previously served as CEO of St Maarten-based regional carrier Winair from 2021 to 2023 and spent more than two decades at American Airlines, brings extensive aviation industry experience. A longtime resident of St. Maarten, Cleaver has lived on the island for more than 50 years.
He takes over following the completion of a major reconstruction project at the airport. Under Mingo’s leadership, PJIAE rebuilt and reopened its terminal after damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017.
The island is seeing strong visitor numbers, according to a recent Caribbean Journal report.
“Princess Juliana International Airport now shines brighter than ever and is ready for its next chapter,” Mingo said. “The journey to this moment was filled with challenges, hard work, and unforgettable moments with an incredible team. It has been an honor and a pleasure to be part of this transformation, but my job here is done. Now, I step aside with full confidence that Michael will lead the airport into a new era of growth and excellence.”
Cleaver will oversee the airport’s next strategic phase through 2030, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and passenger experience.
“We are incredibly grateful for Brian Mingo’s leadership during one of the most challenging and transformative periods in our airport’s history,” said Perry Wilson, Director of PJIA’s holding company. “Now, as we look to the future, we are confident that Mr. Cleaver will guide Princess Juliana International Airport into a new era of growth, ensuring that we continue to serve as a world-class gateway for St. Maarten and the Caribbean.”
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