Welcome to Open Mic, the airport- and aviation-focused podcast hosted by Curtis Grad, Chief Executive and Founding Partner of Modalis Infrastructure Partners. Each episode features in-depth conversations with global aviation leaders—airport executives, investors, innovators, and policy experts—exploring the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the airport and aviation landscape.

In this episode, the Season 1 finale, Curtis speaks with Ramon Miro, President and Director General of Corporación Quiport, the private-sector operator of Quito International Airport in Ecuador. Drawing on more than two decades in aviation and infrastructure investment, Ramon shares his perspective on airport privatization, the importance of long-term investment partnerships, and the role of airports as catalysts for economic development. Together, they explore the evolution of Quito's airport concession, the opportunities for private investment in North America, and the lessons learned from building and operating a world-class airport in an emerging market.

They dive into:
✈️ The evolution of Quito International Airport—from its Canadian roots and ambitious greenfield construction project to a world-class aviation gateway in the Andes.
🌎 How private investment, pension funds and international airport operators are transforming airport infrastructure across Latin America, and what Canada and the United States can learn from these models.
🏗️ The role of long-term concessions, changing shareholder structures and strong governance in delivering resilient, financially sustainable airport operations.
🤝 Why airport success depends on understanding passenger demand, embracing airline competition and building strong relationships with carriers, investors and local communities.
💡 Ramon's unconventional journey into aviation—from engineering and infrastructure finance to airport development—and why curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to embrace new opportunities are essential leadership qualities.

Timestamps:
1:23 Airports Worldwide, Houston Airports and the origins of Quito's concession
2:46 Changing shareholders and the role of pension funds in airport investment
6:25 Building Quito International Airport: A Canadian-backed greenfield success story
11:25 Leading an airport through the pandemic and airline restructuring
15:03 Open skies, competition and the importance of passenger demand
19:23 From engineering and finance to a career in aviation
23:04 Crazy aviation stories: An unforgettable encounter with the SR-71 Blackbird
28:52 Airport privatization in Canada and the United States
35:31 Leadership, family and finding balance outside aviation
39:01 Magic Mirror: Rapid-fire questions with Ramon

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