He will be replaced by deputy executive manager Mary Torres.
In a letter to GIAA board chairman Martin J. Gerber, Salas indicated he will initially take personal time off to spend time with his family and his mother who resides off island.
“Although he mentions no specific plans for alternate employment at this time, Salas anticipates his career will likely take a different direction within the near future,” a press release from the airport stated.
In a phone interview with Variety, Salas said he has been contemplating on his resignation for a while. “Primarily, I need to spend more time with my family, particularly my mother who is 85 years old,” said Salas, who is from Saipan.
“As you get older, spending time with family becomes more important, at least it has for me,” Salas said.
He expressed his appreciation to all the airport employees. “We have accomplished a lot. I was fortunate to have all their help and assistance in doing a lot of big projects and weathering the challenges we have had for the last three years,” Salas said.
His most notable accomplishments include various airfield and airport infrastructure improvements, development of new air service into Guam, the completion of several revenue enhancement projects, and the addition of three new airline carriers serving the Guam route.
“Mr. Salas’ leadership and expertise guided GIAA through some of the most turbulent years the airline industry has seen in recent times,” Gerber stated in a press release. “Despite the adverse economic climate experienced throughout the airline industry, GIAA has kept its operating costs down, increased its annual net worth, and maintained favorable ratings by the FAA, its auditors and bond assessors.”
“More important is the fact that Carlos always took all concerns and problems to heart and despite all the challenges he faced from day to day, he never lost sight of what was best for all of GIAA, our island and our region,” Gerber said.
Salas has over 20 years of experience in the aviation industry. He came to GIAA in 2007 and before that, he was the executive director of the CNMI’s port authority.
In a press statement, Gov. Felix Camacho said Salas “has been instrumental in serving the people of Guahan and I wish him well in his future endeavors.”
“During his time with the GIAA, Carlos has contributed to the airport’s success and helped build a foundation that will serve our people for generations to come. I appreciate his dedication to my administration and more importantly, to our island community,” the governor said.
