ACI achieves series of landmark advancements for airports at ICAO gathering.
With aviation leaders gathering in Montreal for the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO’s) 42nd Assembly, Airports Council International (ACI) World has elevated the need for coordinated aviation security, increased connectivity, improved passenger experience and accelerated decarbonisation.
With ACI forecasting passenger traffic globally will reach 18.9 billion by 2047, Justin Erbacci, ACI world Director General, said: “This Assembly provided significant support for and resulted in major advancements on important priorities for airports.”
He also noted this is the “first step towards turning strategies into measurable actions that will deliver real benefits for travellers and the global aviation ecosystem.”
Key achievements for ACI at the ICAO gathering include driving efficiency and risk-based, harmonised aviation security. Changes to the Assembly Resolution on Security, reinforced the need for a coordinated and efficient approach to testing and certification to accelerate the deployment of new security equipment. This move follows ACI Europe’s call in July for a complete overhaul of the European Union’s airport security certification system. The airport trade body warned that ongoing delays and inefficiencies are putting airport operations, passenger convenience, and European security at risk.
ACI also welcomed the formal recognition of airports’ critical role in aviation decarbonisation with States called to establish enabling frameworks for airport porjects including generating renewable energy and energy storage.
With ACI advocating for modernised airport slot policy, support was also garnered for strategic discussions on slot policy modernisation that considers local infrastructure.
Elsewhere, ACI’s promotion of greater air connectivity won the support of ICAO States and led to recognition by the Assembly of the need to tackle policy and fiscal barriers affecting consumers and impeding socio-economic development. ACI also defended airports’ and passengers’ interests in matters of consumer protection, secured favourable outcomes on charges and non-aeronautical revenues.
States were also encouraged to enable seamless travel by improving inter-agency coordination nationally and accelerating digital travel credentials with a focus on seamless borders.
ACI’s advocacy also called for greater support for aerodrome certification, supported by States across four ICAO regions. To overcome the challenges in improving safety and getting airports certified, ACI called for stronger, coordinated support for governments and airport operators.
Photo: ACI Europe
