Transforming Aviation: Meet Felipe Fraser
Felipe Fraser is an aviation program manager with over 25 years of experience spanning infrastructure development, financial planning, commercial operations, architecture and real estate. His diverse background gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of technical delivery and financial strategy in large-scale transportation projects. He has led terminal design and major infrastructure delivery for global firms including Ferrovial Agroman, APORT S.A. (Zurich Airport’s Latin American platform) and Stantec.
Felipe specializes in delivering public-private partnerships (P3s) in the airport sector, using his multi-disciplinary expertise to foster collaboration and efficiency on complex programs. As a former CEO, board member and advisor to airport companies, he has guided major investments to long-term success. He joined our aviation team in early 2024, where he leads transformative projects and industry advancements.
Tell us about why you enjoy working on airport projects — what motivates and inspires you?
I designed an airport early in my career in Chile and became enamored with aviation. I love seeing airports under construction and in operation, and I still take every opportunity to check out the airside during development.
Airports are unique in that they support an incredibly diverse set of stakeholders — airlines, public entities, developers, operators, cargo handlers, service providers, travelers and more. Each group has their own priorities and perspectives, which makes the challenge of aligning their needs complex and rewarding. I’m inspired by bringing these interests together to create solutions that benefit everyone.
I take great pride in leveraging my P3 experience to help owners realize their vision. My goal is to contribute to the development of world-class airports that function efficiently and instill a sense of pride in the communities they serve.
What are some of the challenges associated with developing airports in dense, urban areas, and how have you navigated those complexities in your career?
Ultimately, our goal is to make existing airport facilities work smarter. Modernizing terminals by replacing outdated infrastructure and rethinking passenger processing systems can dramatically improve efficiency without requiring physical expansion.
Airports are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze their processes in real time, anticipate peak hours, manage queues and refine schedules to minimize congestion. I see AI as a tool to unlock new ideas that challenge traditional philosophies and guide future development. Capitalizing on these innovations ensures that even in the most space-constrained environments, airports can continue to evolve and thrive.
How does aviation development create transformative opportunities for communities, and how has that influenced your approach to your work?
Airports have evolved into dynamic hubs that connect air and land infrastructure to drive regional economies. This shift presents transformative opportunities for communities served by airports, from supporting logistics services and business districts to sustaining hotels and commercial developments. P3s play a vital role in realizing this potential by attracting private investments to support development at the terminal and beyond, helping airports become engines of regional growth.
When airports are thoughtfully planned, they become self-sustaining ecosystems. Recognizing this broader role is essential to the success of any P3. The public sector views infrastructure as a social responsibility — one that must deliver lasting benefits to the communities it serves. At the same time, private investors seek long-term value. My extensive experience delivering P3s allows me to align the goals of investors, airport operators and communities, creating partnerships that are financially sound, socially responsible and built for long-term success.
My approach to planning begins with positioning the airport as a catalyst for growth. I then prioritize a high level of service for airlines and passengers, ensuring operational excellence while delivering lasting value. With a future-focused strategy, we deliver infrastructure that meets regional needs, creates investment opportunities and strengthens communities far beyond the airfield.
What possibilities are you excited for moving forward?
I’m excited about the involvement of new players in the airport development space and the innovations this broader collaboration can bring. Sustainable airports are profitable airports, and this paradigm is increasingly gaining traction in the U.S. As new investors, developers and global aviation experts enter the field, we have a real opportunity to reshape airport infrastructure with fresh thinking and future-ready solutions.
Historically, the U.S. was a global leader in airport development thanks to forward-thinking airlines and strong public sector planning. Much of the world’s most advanced airport infrastructure has been influenced by the U.S. model. Today’s evolving needs present a chance to lead once again, applying new ideas to build on a legacy of innovation.
As technologies like AI and machine learning emerge in the aviation industry, the need for adaptable infrastructure will only grow. Strengthening connections to urban transit networks is critical to positioning airports as efficient gateways that drive economic prosperity and improve passenger experiences, ushering in a new era of global mobility.