Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Ancona International Airport (AIA), a significant player in Italy’s aviation and logistics sectors, has announced a major management transition. CEO Alex D’Orsogna, who has been instrumental in driving AIA’s growth since joining in 2022, has been appointed as the new General Director of ENAC Italy, the country’s national civil aviation authority. This prestigious appointment, made by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on June 16, 2025, marks a significant shift for both AIA and the wider Italian aviation sector.
Following D’Orsogna’s departure, Hamish de Run, the current President and Chair of AIA since 2019, will step into the role of Interim CEO while a search for a permanent successor is conducted. De Run, who has overseen substantial developments at the airport, expressed his gratitude for D’Orsogna’s leadership and affirmed that AIA remains on track for continued growth and success under his interim leadership.
D’Orsogna’s Impact on Ancona International Airport
Since taking over as CEO in 2022, Alex D’Orsogna has been a driving force behind Ancona International Airport’s transformation into a key logistics hub for both national and international freight and passenger operations. Under his leadership, the airport has achieved record growth in freight handling and passenger traffic. D’Orsogna’s strategic vision also led to several initiatives aimed at positioning AIA as a central player in Italy’s transportation network. This includes launching infrastructure projects, enhancing intermodal connectivity, and fostering partnerships to expand AIA’s regional and international footprint.
One of D’Orsogna’s most significant contributions has been his role in the development of the Verticall project, a flagship initiative aimed at transforming AIA into a state-of-the-art transportation and logistics center. The project remains on schedule, with the first phase set to be completed in 2025 and full construction slated for 2026. Verticall is expected to further solidify AIA’s position as a key player in the cargo and logistics sectors, aligning with the broader goals of the European Commission to promote sustainable and integrated transport networks.
In addition to the Verticall project, D’Orsogna’s tenure has seen the advancement of AIA’s spaceport project, positioning Ancona as an emerging hub for space exploration and related industries. AIA’s proximity to research and development in aerospace technologies further supports its evolving role in Italy’s transportation and technological landscape.
AIA’s Strategic Growth Continues Despite Leadership Transition
The management transition comes at a time of heightened momentum for Ancona International Airport, as the airport is poised to play an even more central role in Italy’s logistics and transportation infrastructure. Despite the change in leadership, the airport’s ongoing projects, such as the Verticall development and its collaboration with Amazon for a new operations facility nearby, are expected to continue as planned. Amazon’s new facility, located just 6 kilometers from the airport, will further enhance AIA’s capabilities as a logistics and cargo hub. The facility’s opening in Q3 2025 will be a key milestone in AIA’s push to become one of Italy’s top five cargo airports.
The intermodal triangle that links the airport, port, and rail within a 10-kilometer radius is another key feature of AIA’s growth. This unique feature has earned recognition from the Italian government and the European Commission as a national model for integrated infrastructure. Ongoing investments to connect AIA to Italy’s high-speed rail network are expected to further enhance its strategic importance, improving both domestic and international connectivity.
Hamish de Run, who now assumes the role of Interim CEO, expressed confidence in the continued success of AIA under his leadership. “We are immensely grateful to Alex for his exceptional leadership, commitment, and vision. His transformative contributions have significantly shaped Ancona’s growth and enhanced its reputation, leaving us well-positioned for continued success,” de Run commented.
The Future of Ancona International Airport
As AIA looks to the future, the airport’s focus on infrastructure, logistics, and emerging technologies will remain key to its strategic development. The airport’s commitment to developing into a major logistics and aerospace hub, coupled with its forward-looking projects, makes it an integral part of Italy’s broader transportation and innovation strategies.
In particular, AIA’s focus on becoming an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) center could transform the airport into a crucial player in Italy’s aviation maintenance and recovery sectors. This aligns with Italy’s ambitions to remain a leader in European aviation and aerospace industries, and AIA’s evolving role within this sector is expected to be central in the coming years.
With the continued development of the spaceport project and the integration of cutting-edge aviation technologies, AIA is positioned to play a pivotal role in Italy’s future in both the aviation and aerospace sectors. This trajectory aligns closely with the European Commission’s objectives for advancing space exploration, technological research, and sustainable transport networks across the continent.
Leadership Transition and the Path Forward
As Hamish de Run steps in as Interim CEO, the search for a permanent successor to D’Orsogna will be a critical next step in AIA’s leadership evolution. The ongoing transformation of Ancona International Airport is expected to continue to gain momentum under de Run’s stewardship, with a continued emphasis on expanding the airport’s logistics and aviation capabilities.
“The future of AIA is incredibly bright,” de Run remarked. “With our ongoing investments, strategic infrastructure projects, and commitment to sustainability and innovation, we are on track to make Ancona International Airport a top-tier logistics and transportation hub for Italy and beyond. We are excited for the next chapter in our journey.”
As AIA continues to strengthen its position as an essential part of Italy’s transportation infrastructure, the leadership transition is expected to bring fresh perspectives and continued progress on key projects. The continued collaboration with the Italian government and European Commission ensures that AIA’s development remains aligned with national and international goals for integrated, sustainable, and innovative transport solutions.
About Ancona International Airport
Ancona International Airport, also known as Marche Airport, serves as the primary airport for the Marche region of Italy. It offers both domestic and international flights and plays a critical role in connecting the region to major European destinations. The airport is renowned for its operational efficiency, traveler convenience, and multi-dimensional services, including freight operations, private jet services, and a growing presence in the aerospace industry. As the airport develops into a major hub for logistics, aviation maintenance, and aerospace research, it is poised to continue its upward trajectory as a vital player in Italy’s transportation and technological sectors.