GENEVA, 31 October 2007 – Over 450 executives from the world’s airports begin to gather in Buenos Aires this weekend ahead of the Airports Council International world annual assembly, 5 – 7 November. This year, the world assembly is being held in conjunction with the ACI Latin America and Caribbean annual regional conference. The conference is being hosted by Argentinean airport operator Aeropuertos Argentina 2000. An exhibition that runs alongside the conference showcases airport technologies. Airport CEOs, board members and senior managers will join other leaders from the aviation industry to discuss issues of importance for the industry.

This year, the focus is on leadership and the importance of good management for running an efficient airport, with discussions on effective leadership, sustainable growth and the environment, the state of the industry and a focus on the future of aviation in the Latin American region. ACI Director General, Robert J Aaronson, says that the annual event is an opportunity for airport executives to meet and take stock of the changes occurring in the industry, “With globalisation, international organisations take on a greater role and importance – particularly in an industry like commercial aviation whose many parts must work effectively in concert to serve air transport consumers.”

As hosts of this year’s event, AA2000 is able to showcase Argentina to the global airport community. President and Chief Executive Officer, Ernesto Gutiérrez, says, “We are proud to have this opportunity to bring so many of our colleagues from airports around the world to our home. We will provide a memorable experience for them all and it is an occasion to talk about the importance of air transport to our region.”

Aaronson commented, “Leadership is vital in our industry and that is why this theme is so important. One of ACI’s main services to members is the training that we provide. This occurs at several levels – executive leadership, middle management, practical operations skills and also a special programme aimed at airports in developing nations.”

“We are thrilled to be holding this year’s conference in Buenos Aires and thank AA2000 for hosting us. Buenos Aires is a vibrant city, which reflects the dynamic Latin American aviation sector. We are seeing steady growth in this region and are projecting that passenger numbers will more than double in the next 20 years. From 270 million passengers currently to 610 million in 2025, this will present some real growth and capacity challenges, but also some exciting opportunities for Latin American aviation.

“Of course the region always must keep safety and security as the top priorities in the aviation industry and with growth comes responsibility to be an environmentally sustainable industry.”

Delegates will have the opportunity to hear from, and interact with, Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez, President of the ICAO Council and Jaan Albrecht, CEO of Star Alliance, who will give keynote addresses. Other speakers include: Iñigo Meirás, CEO Ferrovial Aeropuertos and BAA Vice-Chairman; Javier Marin, Director of Spanish Airports, AENA; Héctor Navarrete, Director Regional Airports, ASUR; Bijan Vasigh, Ph.D., Professor, College of Business, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University; Benjamin de Costa, Aviation General Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Nancy Graham, Director of the Air Navigation Bureau, ICAO; Catherine Mayer, Vice President, Airport Services, SITA; Miguel Southwell, Director Business Development, Miami Airport; Alexander ter Kuile, Secretary General, CANSO; José Maria Palencia Saucedo, CEO, Aldeasa; Angela Gittens, Vice President of Airport Business Services, HNTB.

Source: Airports Council International (ACI)
For further information about Airports Council International (ACI), click here