Féthi Chebil
Montreal
Summary
Strategic aviation and infrastructure executive with over 25 years of international experience in regulated operations, complex project finance, and technology-driven transformation. Expertise includes airport public-private partnerships (PPPs), rotorcraft operations, and the development of emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) systems. Proven track record as a board and committee member, skilled in integrating governance, innovation, and capital discipline to drive strategic growth. Committed to advancing the aviation sector through visionary leadership and a results-oriented approach that fosters sustainable progress.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Board Member
Xcert.ai
01.2024 - Current
- Provides governance oversight on AI certification and data-security ventures.
- Advises on financing strategy and technology governance for investor readiness.
Advisor to the CEO
PPMDC (BIHG Group)
01.2022 - Current
- Established and chairs the Investment Committee overseeing airport PPP bids and BTO concessions.
- Structured multi-billion-SAR transactions (e.g., Jeddah T3 extension, Taif Airport) with Munich Airport International and WCT.
- Aligns technical, legal, and financial advisors to ensure value-for-money and risk-balanced bids.
CEO & Founder
VPorts Inc.
01.2021 - Current
- Founded company focused on AAM infrastructure, digital airspace integration, and vertiport certification.
- Developed the Dubai South AAM Integrator Centre and the RAK Vertiport Manual with regional CAAs.
- Built partnerships with OEMs and regulators (EASA, FAA, ICAO AAM WG), emphasizing cargo-first operational models.
CEO
Private Aviation Saudi Arabia (PASA)
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Managed Riyadh and Jeddah FBO terminals; led new business-aviation terminal construction in Riyadh.
- Strengthened regulatory relations with GACA and improved service/operational efficiency.
CEO & Founder
AEPM International
01.2014 - 01.2021
- Conceived and executed the Commercial Important Passenger (CIP) Terminal at São Paulo (GRU), a 5 000 m² facility under a 50-year concession.
- Negotiated design, financing, and divestment to BTG Pactual, demonstrating lifecycle project governance.
- Developed AEPM model for private-sector investment in premium passenger infrastructure globally.
Aviation Safety Expert
ICAO (UN)
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Supported GACA in certifying Madinah and Jeddah airports (ICAO Annex 14).
- Defined fees and regulatory framework for airport certification and oversight.
- Contributed to Annex 14 and RPAS/AAM working groups.
Vice President
SNC-Lavalin
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Led airport EPC/PPP development across Africa, CIS and Latin America.
- Managed multidisciplinary teams delivering >15 airport projects and developed partnerships with EDC, CCC, and CIDA.
Education
Ph.D. - Industrial Engineering & Mathematics
École Polytechnique de Montréal
Montréal01.2008
M.Sc. - Project Management
Université du Québec à Montréal
Montréal01.2005
M.M.A. - Airport Management
École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile – Toulouse
Toulouse01.1995
B.Eng. - Air Navigation
École Nationale Borj-El-Amri
Borj-El-Amri01.1994
Skills
- Governance oversight
- Financing strategy
- Technology governance
- Investment committee leadership
- Board and Governance related Skills
Accomplishments
- Structured and executed long-term BTO agreements and SPV models for Saudi airport privatizations.
- Delivered profitable exit of AEPM’s CIP São Paulo Terminal to BTG Pactual.
- Built AAM infrastructure frameworks now adopted by UAE and regional authorities.
- Published research on governance of major projects (PROMAC Sydney 2006; CIB Montreal 2008).
Languages
English
French
Arabic
Basic Russian
Publications & Awards
Engineering Complex Project Manager Compatibilities, CIB Conference, Montreal (2008), Governance of Major Public Projects, PROMAC, Sydney (2006), Raymond Rosenberger Award (ACI Morocco, 1996), Academic Excellence Award (UQAM, 2003)
Governance & Committee Experience
- Head, Investment Committee (PPMDC) – set up governance framework, mandate, and evaluation process for aviation transactions.
- Board Member, Xcert.ai – AI certification and governance.
- Former Board Member, Project Management Institute – Montreal Chapter (Strategic Projects Oversight).
- Frequent advisor to public and private boards on PPP risk allocation and digital transformation in aviation.
Timeline
Board Member
Xcert.ai
01.2024 - Current
Advisor to the CEO
PPMDC (BIHG Group)
01.2022 - Current
CEO & Founder
VPorts Inc.
01.2021 - Current
CEO
Private Aviation Saudi Arabia (PASA)
01.2018 - 01.2021
CEO & Founder
AEPM International
01.2014 - 01.2021
Aviation Safety Expert
ICAO (UN)
01.2013 - 01.2018
Vice President
SNC-Lavalin
01.2007 - 01.2013
M.Sc. - Project Management
Université du Québec à Montréal
M.M.A. - Airport Management
École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile – Toulouse
B.Eng. - Air Navigation
École Nationale Borj-El-Amri
Ph.D. - Industrial Engineering & Mathematics
École Polytechnique de Montréal