Professor Camilo Martelo is an accomplished aviation professional, educator, and airline executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience in airport operations, airline management, guest experience strategy, and global aviation operations. He currently serves as an Associate Professor of Aviation Management at Florida Memorial University, where he teaches courses in Airline Management and Air Traffic Control while mentoring future aviation professionals.
Professor Martelo holds a Master of Business Administration in Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Bachelor of Science in Management. He is also a licensed Commercial Pilot with an Instrument Rating, combining academic preparation with operational aviation expertise. His career spans extensive leadership roles in airline and airport operations throughout the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
In his current role as Director of Florida Hub and International Operations at Spirit Airlines, Professor Martelo oversees operations across 38 airports in 17 countries, leading large-scale initiatives focused on operational excellence, customer experience, cost optimization, safety, and revenue growth. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, regulatory coordination, and organizational leadership. Prior to his current role, he held leadership positions in airport systems, policies, training, and customer service operations.
Professional Activities
Professor Martelo actively contributes to the advancement of aviation through leadership, education, and service within the industry. His professional activities include overseeing international airline operations, collaborating with government agencies and regulatory organizations, and leading initiatives that improve airport efficiency, customer experience, and operational performance. He has worked closely with organizations including the FAA, TSA, airport authorities, and international stakeholders to support aviation initiatives and strategic partnerships.
In addition to his industry leadership, Professor Martelo remains engaged in professional service and community initiatives. He serves as a Board Member for the Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and previously served as an intern with the NTSB Air Safety Go Team and IATA Customer Service programs. His achievements have been recognized through honors including Spirit Airlines Employee of the Year. Through his continued involvement in aviation leadership and higher education, Professor Martelo bridges
academic learning with real-world industry practice to prepare students for success in a global aviation environment.
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