Tampa International Airport Announces New Vice President of Operations

TAMPA – John Tiliacos will join Tampa International Airport on June 11 as the new Vice President of Operations.

He has worked in the airline industry for 27 years, most recently serving as managing director for American Airlines in Los Angeles, leading one of the company’s largest operations in the U.S./Canadian Division with more than 150 daily flights and 1,200 employees.

John replaces Ed Cooley, who retired in February after working 37 years at the airport.

Among other achievements at American, Tiliacos led the launch of the first in-flight WiFI system on a U.S. airline, and American’s fully lie-flat Business Class seats program.

“These accomplishments are a testament to John’s strength in the area of customer service,” said Joe Lopano, CEO of Tampa International Airport. “We’re delighted he will be applying those talents here along with bringing us his operations expertise.”

Tiliacos began his career as TWA’s General Manager in Nassau, Bahamas, in 1985. He joined American in 1990 as General Manager for the Bahamas. Over the years, he has worked for American in Lubbock, Texas; New Orleans; and Chicago. His responsibilities for the company have included managing flight service operations in the northeast; leading food and beverage operations, inflight products and aircraft cabin design; and heading cargo operations.

From 2000 to 2004, Tiliacos worked as American’s General Manager for Tampa and Fort Myers.

“My family and I are very excited to be returning to the Tampa Bay area and I am equally excited to be joining the leadership team responsible for Tampa International Airport,” he said. 

Tiliacos is a graduate of the Florida Institute of Technology where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management. He is also a private pilot. He and his wife, Jackie, have three children.