ACI World and China Civil Airports Association Join Forces to Advance Global Aviation
The China Civil Airports Association (CCAA) and Airports Council International (ACI) World have embarked on a landmark collaboration, formalizing their partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This agreement signifies a major step in joint efforts covering critical areas such as enhancing passenger customer service and advancing decarbonization in the aviation sector.
The MOU, which also includes ACI-Asia Pacific & Middle East, was signed during a significant visit to China by ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira. This trip encompassed meetings with numerous airport directors and the Civil Aviation Administration of China Administrator, Song Zhiyong, reflecting the importance of this international cooperation.
Luis Felipe de Oliveira, highlighting the pivotal role of China in the global aviation landscape, stated, “The reopening of China in 2022, as the second-largest aviation market after the U.S., is crucial for global aviation dynamics and passenger traffic. This is particularly significant both within the Chinese aviation market and in the context of international travel. We anticipate a strong rebound in the Asia-Pacific region, where China is a key player, with passenger traffic expected to reach 85.3% of the 2019 levels by 2023.”
Key focus areas of the MOU include enhancing airport customer service through the ACI Airport Service Quality program, providing specialized training for airport staff, peer assessments from global airports via ACI’s Airport Excellence Program, and prioritizing decarbonization initiatives.
De Oliveira emphasizes ACI World’s commitment to working with CCAA in various capacities. This includes improving customer experiences at airports, refining professional skills and accreditations, promoting decarbonization, and organizing global airport events.
Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI-Asia Pacific & Middle East, underscores China’s ongoing significance in the aviation industry, stating, “China remains a vibrant aviation market and is projected to contribute 21% to the additional growth in global traffic by 2041. To manage this growth, Chinese airports need to prepare extensively, focusing on efficient operations, addressing evolving passenger needs, and implementing sustainable environmental practices.”
CCAA Chairman Mam Wang Ruiping views the MOU as a crucial step in integrating Chinese airports into the global civil aviation framework. He believes this agreement paves the way for comprehensive and in-depth cooperation, ensuring that Chinese airports play a central role in the development of worldwide civil aviation. This partnership between ACI World and CCAA marks a significant milestone in fostering global aviation collaboration, setting the stage for advancements in both passenger experience and sustainable practices within the industry.