Airports gather for 12th ACI Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly
The 12th ACI Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly, Conference & Exhibition opened today in Doha, Qatar, hosted by Hamad International Airport under the patronage of HE Mr Jassim Seif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, the Minister of Transport and Communications of the State of Qatar.
Above:
(left to right) Declan Collier CEO of London City Airport and Chair of ACI World, Kerri Mather, President of ACI Asia Pacific and Managing Director and CEO of Sydney Airport, Patti Chau Regional Director of ACI Asia Pacific, HE Mr Akbar Al Baker Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Angela Gittens Director General of ACI World, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer Chief Operating Officer Hamad International Airport at the HIA Exhibition Booth.
Hamad International Airport and ACI Asia-Pacific welcomed 400 delegates representing 175 organisations from 54 countries to the event during the welcome reception that took place at the St. Regis hotel today.
During the three-day conference leading airport operators and aviation experts will discuss some of the most critical issues, opportunities and challenges facing the aviation industry, as well as share strategies for success. The event has attracted a significant number of service providers exhibiting their innovative products and award-winning services.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport (HIA), and Special Advisor to the ACI Asia-Pacific Board said: “We are delighted to host an event of such international calibre in Doha and welcome our industry peers to HIA. Together with ACI Asia Pacific, we have developed the ideal platform for industry leaders to come together to discuss trends and challenges, as well as propose ideas that will make a real difference to the future of aviation. We also look forward to presenting our distinguished guests our city as a vibrant tourism and business destination, unveiling Qatar’s warm hospitality and showcasing the dynamism and success of the world’s youngest airport hub, , Hamad International Airport.”
Kerrie Mather, President of ACI Asia-Pacific, thanked the host and sponsors for their support. “It is most fitting for Hamad International Airport, a long-term supporter of ACI Asia-Pacific and one of the leading airports in the region, to play host to the event.”
“The Asia-Pacific region is the largest and fastest-growing aviation market. Airports throughout the Asia-Pacific region are investing in and expanding their facilities to meet growing demand, while continuing to deliver a world-class airport experience. Hamad International Airport is the best example to illustrate what other airports in the region are experiencing and what ACI has been promoting – the excellence of airport operations and management.”
“ACI, as the association representing airports worldwide, stands firm and united in ensuring the safety and security of the travelling public, by offering a network of safe and secure airports. We have been, and will continue to work closely with our industry partners, ICAO and IATA, to develop programs and tools to help our members to achieve improvements in safety and security,” she concluded.
A Leaders’ Forum was held in the morning where airport chiefs of some of the world’s busiest and largest airports discussed “What Defines a Best Airport”. Session speakers included Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, COO of Hamad International Airport; Kerrie Mather, Managing Director & CEO, Sydney Airport; also President of ACI Asia-Pacific, Declan Collier, CEO, London City Airport and Chair of ACI World; Andrew O'Brian, President & CEO, Corporación Quiport, Quito International Airport; Howard Eng, President and CEO, Great Toronto Airports Authority and Fred Lam, CEO, Airport Authority Hong Kong.
Mohamed Khalifa Rahma, Regional Director of ICAO Middle East Office, delivered a special address on “Air Transport Outlook in the Middle East” with reference to latest initiatives at ICAO Middle East.
The conference kicked off yesterday with Aviation Talks, a half day event dedicated to the Middle East airports. Participants were engaged in though-provoking discussions on how the airports in the region plan for future growth. Representatives from Hamad International Airport including Ioannis Metsovitis, VP Operations; Michael Mcmillan, VP Facility Management and Suhail Kadri, VP Information Technology shared the airport’s best practices in asset management, business continuity and innovation.
Over the next two days, discussions will continue on topics including Organizational Succession Planning to Meet Future Challenges, Landside Security and Crisis Communication, Why Airports Should Be Bothered with Corporate Social Responsibility, Airport Planning and Airport Cities and Enhancing Customer Service with Innovative Technology.