Latest News
HomeRegional NewsAfricaAirports Council International celebrates 20th anniversary
ACI strengthens its international "voice"

Airports Council International celebrates 20th anniversary

Director General ACI Angela Gittens, in her address to the 20th world annual assembly of airports, has called on ACI members to rally behind several new initiatives, making the association’s anniversary year a meaningful milestone in the life of the organization. Members unanimously approved a series of proposals and resolutions that call for heightened action in the areas of safety, security, environment, operational efficiency, regulatory framework flexibility, economic regulation and business viability.

In each area, Gittens emphasized the critical importance of strengthening the application of global standards and policies that enable airports to achieve the highest standards of performance. She highlights strategic alliances and cross-industry efforts where airports can participate on equal footing and take the lead on any airport-related decisions.

A key step in this process is the relocation of the main ACI World office to Montreal, Canada, where ACI currently has an ICAO liaison office. The objective is to bring the organization closer to the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the important strategic work accomplished there on behalf of the airport community.

ACI Chair Max Moore-Wilton says, “The World Governing Board considers that this move will bring closer alignment with ICAO, strengthening our ability to promote airport interests and performance excellence in the global arena. By concentrating ACI World subject matter experts in Montreal, we increase our ability to represent airport interests with the ICAO staff, Council members and permanent delegations. By continuing to pursue coordination with ICAO on safety, training and a wide range of ICAO headquarters and regional initiatives, ultimately we help our members to raise the bar on airport performance.”

Moore-Wilton adds, “Montreal International, an organization that promotes international business development in Montreal, has been very helpful in our planning phase and supportive of this move. Now, with the Assembly approval, ACI can conclude an agreement with Montreal International that will also ensure that this move is financially sound and has long-term support in establishing our new home base in Montreal. We are grateful for this backing which helps us to make the transition under the best conditions possible.”

President and CEO of Montreal International, Jacques St-Laurent emphasizes, “We are delighted that a high-profile international organization such as ACI has chosen to relocate its headquarters in Montreal. The arrival of ACI confirms Montreal’s status as the world capital of civil aviation. ACI thus joins some 70 international organizations already present in the metropolitan region and further enhances Montreal’s international status.”

Gittens says, “We have enjoyed and benefited from the generosity and support of Switzerland, the city of Geneva, and the Geneva International Airport management and staff through the first nineteen years of ACI’s existence. We thank them for their unwavering assistance and the strong ties that we have built over the years. I extend personal thanks to Mr Robert Deillon, Director General of Geneva International Airport (AIG), for working in close cooperation with ACI during the transition period as we align our mandate with ICAO. We look forward to the same level of generosity and support from Aeroports de Montreal management and staff.”

Co-Founder & Managing Director - Travel Media Applications | Website | + Posts

Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.

29/03/2024
28/03/2024
27/03/2024
26/03/2024
25/03/2024
22/03/2024