18
August
2020
|
14:49 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

Veteran Tampa International Airport executive announces retirement

Illustrato_SkyCenter
Illustrato_SkyCenter
EVP of Facilities Al Illustrato signs the final beam for the new SkyCenter One office building - one of the many ways the veteran executive is leaving his mark at TPA.

Executive Vice President of Facilities Al Illustrato has announced his retirement from Tampa International Airport after more than three decades of service.

Illustrato has been with the airport for 31 years and leaves as one of the highest-ranking and longest-tenured members of the TPA team. He has been a key team member on some of the most impactful projects and biggest milestones in the airport's history, including the construction of Airside C, a first-of-its-kind in-line baggage system and the Economy parking garages.

In his current role, Illustrato has been an integral part of the airport's billion dollar Master Plan Phase 1 expansion, which included a significant Main Terminal expansion, the redevelopment of 70 shops and restaurants , a 1.4 mile automated people mover and a 2.6-million square foot consolidated rental car facility. Illustrato has also led the implementation of Master Plan Phase 2, including the construction of 16 curbside lanes, a new Central Utilities Plant and the SkyCenter development area.

"When I got here about ten years ago, one of the first and best decisions I made was to promote Al," said TPA CEO Joe Lopano. "Looking around at the incredible quality of our facilities, I knew right away he would be a key member of my Executive Team and a driver of our success."

Illustrato joined the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority in 1989 as a manager, rising through the ranks over the years to eventually oversee the airport's largest department. His commitment to excellence has helped TPA garner global recognition year after year for the quality and ease-of-use of the airport's facilities.

"Working at this airport for the past 31 years has been the privilege of a lifetime," said Illustrato. "TPA is special to our travelers, the community and most of all, our team. I'm proud to have been able to watch it grow and I look forward to seeing it continue to thrive for years to come."

Illustrato's last day at Tampa International Airport is September 30, 2020. TPA's Vice President of Planning and Development, Jeff Siddle, will continue to lead the airport's construction teams as well as the maintenance department following Illustrato's retirement.