ACI and airports have been leaders in the decarbonization transformation, being the first to commit to a long-term environmental goal of net zero carbon emissions at airports by 2050, made on 8 June 2021. This was followed by the cross-industry commitment in October 2021 and that by the ICAO States in October 2022.

The IATA Net Zero Roadmaps highlight the type of collaboration and actions needed to achieve both the aviation industries’ and governments’ goal of net zero carbon emission by 2050.

ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said: “We congratulate IATA on the launch of the Net Zero Roadmaps and welcome their ongoing collaboration in building a sustainable aviation sector. Airports have been leaders in the decarbonization transformation and on the front line to provide solutions. The whole aviation ecosystem needs to work together with common purpose, and we urge States, regulators, fuel producers, and the financial sector to all play their part too. The onus is on all of us so that aviation can continue to play an important role in the economic and social well-being of communities worldwide.”

About ACI

Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, is a federated organization comprising ACI World, ACI Africa, ACI Asia-Pacific, ACI EUROPE, ACI Latin America and the Caribbean and ACI North America. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2023, ACI serves 712 members, operating 1925 airports in 171 countries.

Editor notes

1. Learn more about ACI World’s work in sustainability and environmental protection.

Media contacts

Sabrina Guerrieri
Interim Director, Communications
ACI World
Telephone: +1 514 373 1254
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero

Montreal, 18 May 2023 – Airports Council International (ACI) World today announces the streamlining of its resources for small and emerging airports to foster their continued growth and sustainable development.

The streamlining of resources, which includes certain programs and services at a lower rate, follows the ACI World Resolution “Support and assistance for small, emerging and regional airports,” approved at the 32^nd World Annual General Assembly. The resolution recognizes the positive externalities and financial challenges of small and emerging airports. Furthermore, it calls on governments and industry to support their capital and human resource development plans and facilitate their transition to renewable energy.

The importance of small and emerging airports

According to the 2021 ACI Airport Economics Report, it is estimated that as much as 90% of the world’s airports are categorized as small (serving 5 million passengers or less per annum). Additionally, it is estimated that 68% of airports globally operate at a net loss and that 97% of those loss-making airports handle fewer than one million passengers per annum.

Despite these challenges, the viability of small and emerging airports remains crucial to the development of local and global connectivity, cohesion and territorial equality, social and economic development, as well as the potential for growth of their individual regions—in turn, supporting many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, they are intrinsically linked to the growth of the tourism sector. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, travel and tourism contributed 10.3% to global GDP in 2019.

ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said: “In many communities, small and emerging airports play a crucial role in the lives of millions of people—as employers, facilitators of tourism and trade, and even as key lifelines that support critical services. They also play an important role in feeding traffic into larger hub airports for onward journeys to other major national and international destinations. And as the largest segment of the ACI membership, ACI World is fully committed to ensuring that their needs and expectations are met, both on the global stage and in the development of tools that promote their excellence and sustainable growth.” The resources also include the long-standing ACI Fund that continues to provide financial support for airports in developing nations for career development and capacity building. In addition to seminars and scholarships, the ACI Fund offers targeted assistance for ACI World safety and security reviews as well as accreditation programs.   

About ACI

Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, is a federated organization comprising ACI World, ACI Africa, ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East, ACI EUROPE, ACI Latin America and the Caribbean, and ACI North America. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable.

Editor notes

1. Access the ACI World streamlined resources for small and emerging airports.
2. Download the ACI World Resolution “Support and assistance for small, emerging and regional airports.”

Media contacts      

Sabrina Guerrieri 
Interim Director, Communications  
ACI World 
Telephone: +1 514 373 1254 
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero 

Adam Zampini
Director, Marketing and Communications
ACI World
Telephone: +1 514 373 1254
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero

Montréal, 5 May 2023 – Airports Council International (ACI) World launches the Sustainability Expansion Plan, funded by Montréal International with the support of the Government of Canada, the Government of Québec, and the City of Montréal. The plan sees continued investment in the city of Montréal, the World Capital of Civil Aviation, and in the sustainability of airports as essential enablers of economic growth and prosperity.

The launch was celebrated with government officials and top aviation and investment representatives at the ACI World Cocktail Reception on 4 May 2023, at the iconic Place Ville Marie, in Montréal, Canada.

The Sustainability Expansion Plan strengthens ACI World’s sustainability initiatives that support its global airport membership in all disciplines of airport management and that align with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The plan also contributes to ACI World and its member airports’ commitment to reaching the aviation industry’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, supporting the sustainable growth of the sector and generating social and economic benefits for the communities it serves.

Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec said: “The Government of Canada has made concrete commitments to strengthen our ongoing fight against climate change and play an active role in the transition to the economy of the future. The support granted to Airports Council International (ACI) World, to develop the Sustainability Expansion Plan, clearly illustrates this. Thanks to our non-repayable contribution of $283,334, provided through our collaboration with Montréal International, the organization will play a key role in promoting sustainable practices within the global aviation industry. This project will also enable the metropolis to continue to shine on the international stage.”

Martine Biron, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women said: ““The Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie du Québec is proud to contribute to the Sustainable Development Program implemented by Airports Council International (ACI) World, as it reflects Québec’s environmental and sustainable development values and objectives. This expansion shows how international organizations operating in Québec can help develop and promote Montréal as the civil aviation capital of the world. I would like to applaud ACI’s commitment to achieving sustainable development goals that will contribute to the future of civil aviation.”

Valérie Plante, Mayor of the City of Montréal said: “ACI World’s Sustainability Expansion Plan is an important step in making airport operations greener. As the civil aviation capital of the world, Montréal is proud to see ACI further support the green transition. Aviation is a major contributor to global economic prosperity. Hence, its role in the development of a sustainable energy transition that also promotes the overall health of our ecosystem has never been more as important.”

Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General of ACI World said: “The Sustainability Expansion Plan builds on a long-standing cooperation with Montréal International and its partners, the Government of Canada, the Government of Québec and the City of Montréal. The plan represents an important milestone in the strengthening of ACI World’s sustainability initiatives that support our global airport members. Despite the difficulties faced by the sector in the last few years, the expansion plan ensures our long-term commitment with Montréal and its position as the World Capital of Civil Aviation, providing employment and relevance to the whole aviation ecosystem.

“On behalf of ACI World, I thank Montréal International, its financial partners, and CEO Stéphane Paquet and his team who have been pivotal in this project. Together, through the investment in airports’ sustainability, we are accomplishing great things for the social and economic well-being of millions of people worldwide.”

Stéphane Paquet, President and CEO of Montréal International said: “Since the 1940s, Montréal has been recognized worldwide as a hub for civil aviation. The city’s fame in this sector is due in large part to international organizations such as ACI World that develop cutting-edge programs like the Sustainability Expansion Plan launched today. We ought to be proud and grateful for such initiatives that help build a green and inclusive economy and demonstrate Montréal’s international organizations’ leadership in decarbonizing our planet.”

About ACI

Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, is a federated organization comprising ACI World, ACI Africa, ACI Asia-Pacific, ACI EUROPE, ACI Latin America and the Caribbean and ACI North America. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2023, ACI serves 712 members, operating 1925 airports in 171 countries.

About Montréal International

Montréal International is a non-profit organization funded by the private sector, the governments of Canada and Québec, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal and the City of Montréal. Its mandate is to attract and retain foreign investment (companies and startups), international organizations, skilled workers and international students to Greater Montréal by providing support services tailored to their needs.

Media contacts      

Sabrina Guerrieri 
Interim Director, Communications  
ACI World 
Telephone: +1 514 373 1254 
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero

Eve Caron
Director, Public relations and Contents
Montréal International
Téléphone: +1 514 210 0084
Email: eve.caron@mtlintl.com

Since its launch in 2007, AMPAP has become the globally recognized and respected curriculum for career development and excellence for airport executives, benefiting over 1,200 participants to date. The program covers all functional areas of the airport business and latest industry standards, helping practitioners meet the current and emerging challenges they face for the benefit of the travelling public and the communities aviation serves.

Drew Griffiths, Head of SITA AT AIRPORTS, said: “We are very proud to continue as the premier sponsor of the AMPAP program. With SITA present at more than 1,000 airports globally, we are a key member of this global community. Through the AMPAP program we will support ACI and ICAO in expanding the reach of the program through the use of new digital technologies while nurturing a new generation of airport leaders. It is also key to strengthening SITA’s ability to better serve the industry.”  

Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General of ACI World, said: “Investing in the training and upskilling of airport managers is crucial to aviation’s short- and long-term sustainability —particularly as we continue to build and retain its workforce. The airport industry is continuously evolving and so too must our knowledge. Our renewed longstanding partnership with SITA reflects the ongoing relevancy of the program and the important role of technology in improving airport operations and streamlining the passenger journey. We are grateful to SITA for this partnership which allows us to pool our expertise and enhance the AMPAP experience for the world’s airport management professionals.”

Mr. Jorge Varga, ICAO’s Technical Cooperation Bureau (TCB) Director and AMPAP Team Leader, said: “Many of the industry’s common objectives for modernized airports infrastructure and enhanced passenger facilitation will have important implications for the next generation of airport leaders. This very critical modernization process speaks to why updating and improving the skills and knowledge of airport managers in the coming decades will be so essential, both to long-term air transport adaptability and sustainability. SITA’s partnership and support of AMPAP has ensured a commitment towards quality and excellency of the program. I look forward to continue building on this important collaboration, aimed to enhance airport management globally.”

AMPAP graduates earn the International Airport Professional (IAP) Designation or AMPAP Associate diploma award, recognizing an individual’s excellence in airport management and proficiency in applying ACI best practices and ICAO standards and recommended practices (SARPs).

ACI World and ICAO have previously announced the appointment of Angela Gittens, former Director General of ACI World, as the program’s ambassador. The role aims to advance AMPAP’s visibility and its objective to support airport practitioners around the world and across the aviation ecosystem.

About ACI

Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, is a federated organization comprising ACI World, ACI Africa, ACI Asia-Pacific, ACI EUROPE, ACI Latin America and the Caribbean and ACI North America. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2023, ACI serves 712 members, operating 1925 airports in 171 countries.

About SITA

SITA is the air transport industry’s IT provider, delivering solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft and governments. Our technology powers more seamless, safe and sustainable air travel.

With around 2,500 customers, SITA’s solutions drive operational efficiencies at more than 1,000 airports while delivering the promise of the connected aircraft to customers of 17,000 aircraft globally. SITA also provides technology solutions that help more than 70 governments strike the balance of secure borders and seamless travel. Our communications network connects every corner of the globe and bridges 45% of the air transport community’s data exchange.

In 2021, SITA became a certified CarbonNeutral® company in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol – the leading global standard for carbon neutral programs. We are reducing our greenhouse gas emissions for all our operations through our UN recognized Planet+ program, while also developing solutions to help the aviation industry meet its carbon reduction objectives, including reduced fuel burn and greater operational efficiencies. In 2022, we announced our commitment to setting science-based emission reduction targets aligned to the Science Based Targets initiative Net-Zero Standard.

SITA is 100% owned by the industry and driven by its needs. It is one of the most internationally diverse companies, providing services in over 200 countries and territories.

For further information, go to www.sita.aero.

Editor notes

1. Learn more about the Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program (AMPAP).

Media contacts      

Sabrina Guerrieri
Interim Director, Communications  
ACI World 
Telephone: +1 514 373 1254 
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero 

Julius Baumann
Head of Media Relations
SITA
Tel: +41 78 901 4123
Email: julius.baumann@sita.aero

Montreal, 11 April 2023 – Airports Council International (ACI) World and SITA today announce the results of the latest 2022 Airport IT Insights Survey, revealing how airports are ramping up their investment in technology to digitalize their operations and streamline the passenger journey through more self-service options.

ACI World and SITA have collaborated for the past 19 years on the Airport IT Insights Survey, the most extensive study of IT trends within the global airport industry. The report reveals that with the quicker than expected recovery of air travel demand, Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are eager to leverage IT solutions to fortify their operations against disruption while automating the passenger experience.  

The industry’s IT spend is projected to continue its steady year-on-year growth trend since 2020 to support this push for digitalization, with 93% of airports expecting their IT spend to stay the same or increase in 2023 compared to 2022. Last year’s airport IT spending rose to an estimated US$6.8 billion.

Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General of ACI World, said: “The pandemic and the subsequent recovery has further highlighted the importance of the digitalization of airport operations, crucial to the overall airport customer experience. This year’s Airport IT Insights Report reveals a significant acceleration in the investment of digital solutions to make airports smarter, easier for passengers to navigate, and their interaction with numerous stakeholders seamless.”

Streamlining the passenger journey with smart technologies

Airports are investing in key technologies to smoothen the passenger experience across every step of the journey to help curb bottlenecks and alleviate pressure caused by workforce challenges. Biometrics and self-service technologies are at the forefront of this change.

Airports are prioritizing self-service initiatives, placing strong emphasis on self-check-in and self-bag-drop, with 86% planning implementation by 2025. Airports’ implementation of a secure single biometric token across all touchpoints has surged from just 3% in 2021 to 39% in 2022, with over half planning implementation over the next three years. This signals a strong commitment to the next-generation travel experience where passengers can breeze through the airport using their face as their boarding pass.

Digitalizing operations to achieve more with less

Demand for cloud services features high on the CIO agenda. It is central to optimizing cost, driving efficiency, and introducing new passenger services. Cloud services also offer scalability, which is crucial to managing sudden peaks in passenger volumes.

Business intelligence solutions are also at the forefront of airport IT investment priorities, with 93% or more planning business intelligence initiatives for asset management and flight operations by 2025. The emphasis on agility, adaptability to disruption, and prompt communication with customers and stakeholders is clear: by 2025, a majority of airports are seeking to implement automated predictive alerts prior to flight disruption events as well as business intelligence initiatives to enable the scaling of operations based on demand.

David Lavorel, CEO, SITA, said: “Air travel has recovered faster from the pandemic than anyone in the industry had initially expected, particularly in Europe and the US. While the recovery is welcome, airports and airlines have found themselves on the back foot with staff and resource shortages. This has put strain on operations, resulting in an increased risk of congestion, delays, cancellations and mishandled baggage. Digitalization is seen as key to addressing these challenges, providing more scalability and flexibility.”

About ACI

Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, is a federated organization comprising ACI World, ACI Africa, ACI Asia-Pacific, ACI EUROPE, ACI Latin America and the Caribbean and ACI North America. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2023, ACI serves 712 members, operating 1925 airports in 171 countries.

About SITA

SITA is the air transport industry’s IT provider, delivering solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft and governments. Our technology powers more seamless, safe and sustainable air travel.

With around 2,500 customers, SITA’s solutions drive operational efficiencies at more than 1,000 airports while delivering the promise of the connected aircraft to customers of 17,000 aircraft globally. SITA also provides technology solutions that help more than 70 governments strike the balance of secure borders and seamless travel. Our communications network connects every corner of the globe and bridges 45% of the air transport community’s data exchange.

In 2021, SITA became a certified CarbonNeutral® company in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol – the leading global standard for carbon neutral programs. We are reducing our greenhouse gas emissions for all our operations through our UN recognized Planet+ program, while also developing solutions to help the aviation industry meet its carbon reduction objectives, including reduced fuel burn and greater operational efficiencies. In 2022, we announced our commitment to setting science-based emission reduction targets aligned to the Science Based Targets initiative Net-Zero Standard.

SITA is 100% owned by the industry and driven by its needs. It is one of the most internationally diverse companies, providing services in over 200 countries and territories.

For further information, go to www.sita.aero.

Editor notes

1. Access the 2022 Air Transport IT Insights Report.

Media contacts

Sabrina Guerrieri 
Interim Director, Communications  
ACI World 
Telephone: +1 514 373 1254 
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero 

Julius Baumann
Head of Media Relations
SITA
Tel: +41 78 901 4123
Email: julius.baumann@sita.aero

Montreal, 5 April 2023 – Airports Council International (ACI) World has today published the top 10 busiest airports worldwide for 2022, which welcomes back some of the world’s largest airport hubs as international traffic returns, marking an important milestone in air travel’s full recovery from the impact of the pandemic.

Passenger traffic

Preliminary figures indicate that with the resumption of international travel, 2022 global passenger traffic reached close to 7 billion, representing an increase of 53.5% from 2021, or a 73.8% recovery from 2019 results.

The top 10 airports for total passenger traffic, representing 10% of global traffic, witnessed a gain of 51.7% from 2021 amounting to 85.9% recovery vis-à-vis their 2019 results.

Holding their positions from 2021, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL, 93.7 million passengers, +23.8%) is at the top of the 2022 rankings, followed by Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW, 73.4 million passengers, +17.5%), Denver Airport (DEN, 69.3 million passengers, +17.8%), and Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD, 68.3 million passengers, +26.5%).

From the top 10 airports globally, 5 are in the United States. They all have significant domestic passenger shares (between 75% and 95% domestic traffic).

Airports reinstated in the upper ranks also include Dubai Airport achieving 5^th rank (DXB, 66.1 million passengers, +127%), Istanbul Airport reaching 7^th position (IST, 64.3 million passengers, +73.8%), followed by London Heathrow Airport, Delhi Airport, and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in the 8^th, 9^th, and 10^th spots respectively (see table below).

The biggest jump in the top 10 was recorded for London Heathrow (LHR). The airport improved its ranking from the 54^th position as borders reopened in March 2022 after two years of closures.

ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said: “The new top 10 busiest airports for passenger traffic reflects the resilience of the airport and aviation industry, and the eagerness of passengers to travel by air. While US airport hubs were able to recover quicker due to their strong domestic market, we are now witnessing global hubs joining upper ranks—including Dubai, Istanbul, and London Heathrow airport. While we continue to march forward cautiously amidst multiple headwinds that could impact the speed and magnitude of global air traffic recovery, the latest rankings represent an important milestone in reaching pre-pandemic levels. The re-opening of China, the second largest aviation market after the US, is now expected to bring an overall gain, both domestically and for international travel.

“The ongoing recovery of air travel demand would not be possible without the continuous work of airports to provide a safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable air transport ecosystem for the passengers that we depend on and the communities we serve. ACI World will remain committed to representing the best interests of airports on the global stage during key phases of policy development and to promoting airport excellence.” 

Cargo traffic

Air cargo volumes are estimated to have decreased by 6.7% year-over-year (-1.7% versus 2019), to close to 117 million metric tonnes in 2022.

Air cargo volumes in the top 10 airports for air cargo traffic—representing around 27% (30.8 million metric tonnes) of the global volumes in 2022—lost 9.9% in 2022 year-over-year (but kept a gain of 4.1% versus 2019 results). The decline can be attributed to the ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global trade and supply chains.

Hong Kong Airport (HKG, 4.2 million metric tonnes, -16.4%) remained in the top rank followed by Memphis Airport (MEM, 4 million metric tonnes, -9.8%) and Anchorage Airport (ANC, 3.5 million metric tonnes, -4.3%). Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG, 3.1 million metric tonnes, -21.7%) lost its spot to ANC and ended up in 4^th  position.

Aircraft movements

2022 global aircraft movements are close to 89 million, constituting a gain of 20.4% from 2021 results. This represents a recovery of 82.5% from pre-pandemic levels (2019).

The top 10 airports for aircraft movements, representing close to 7% of global traffic (5.7 million movements), witnessed a gain of 11.4% from their 2021 results, recovering to 91.5% vis-à-vis their 2019 results (6.2 million in 2019).

ATL is at the top with 724 thousand movements (+2.3% from 2021) but still below its 2019 result of 904 thousand movements (-19.9%). ORD (712 thousand movements, +4%) is in 2^nd rank after leading ATL in 2019 and 2018, followed by DFW (657 thousand movements, +0.7%).

About ACI

Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, is a federated organization comprising ACI World, ACI Africa, ACI Asia-Pacific, ACI EUROPE, ACI Latin America and the Caribbean and ACI North America. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2023, ACI serves 712 members, operating 1925 airports in 171 countries.

Media contacts

Sabrina Guerrieri 
Interim Director, Communications  
ACI World 
Telephone: +1 514 373 1254 
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero 

Adam Zampini
Director, Communications and Marketing
ACI World
Telephone: +1 514 373 1254
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero

Montreal, 22 March 2023 – Airports Council International (ACI) World has today published its 2023 edition of the Airport Economics Report and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), presenting a comprehensive view of the airport industry’s financial performance for the 2021 year.

The annual Airport Economics Report presents an in-depth global analysis of airport industry revenues by source, costs, and related trends across the globe and over time, while the KPIs provide insight into areas such as financial performance, fixed-asset productivity, and airport operations through detailed statistics. Data is gathered from over 1,000 airports of all sizes and business models, representing 82% of the world’s pre-pandemic traffic.

Global highlights

Key highlights from the 2023 Airport Economics Report and KPIs include:

• In 2021, the airport industry experienced the continued financial impact from the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Due to the capital-intensive nature of the airport business with many fixed costs, the average cost per passenger far exceeded average revenue.

• Facing substantial financial pressures, and the ongoing need for infrastructure investments, airports increased their levels of debt during 2021 to finance operations.

• In 2021, the industry’s Debt-to-EBITDA ratio was 13:1; in contrast to the pre-pandemic average that was in the realm of 5:1.

• Aeronautical revenue was the largest source of income for airports, representing 50% of the total.

• Beyond aeronautical revenue, airports are exploring new sources of revenue on the non-aeronautical side of the business such as real estate development to mitigate traffic risk and adapt to changing market conditions.

ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said: “This year’s report presents an overview of the industry’s financial recovery trends across the world as it emerged out of the pandemic. There is no denying that airports are infrastructure intensive businesses—the cost structure is characterized by prominent fixed costs. Under a regulated regime of airport charges that do not adjust to actual market and demand conditions, there should be full awareness of the fact that the regulated formula that protects airlines in good times also requires protecting airports in bad times.

“Beyond the impact of the pandemic, airports need the support of governments through better global policy frameworks on airport charges. In a changed competitive landscape, light handed models of economic oversight need greater consideration in global policy frameworks on airport charges – Airports must be given greater freedom to operate as businesses in their own right. Regulators and the rest of the aviation ecosystem must work together—so airports can continue to play a vital role in the global economy, serving as critical infrastructure for the movement of people and goods.”

About ACI

Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, is a federated organization comprising ACI World, ACI Africa, ACI Asia-Pacific, ACI EUROPE, ACI Latin America-Caribbean and ACI North America. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2023, ACI serves 712 members, operating 1925 airports in 171 countries.

Editors Notes

1. Access the Airport Economics Report and Airport Key Performance Indicators bundle.

Media contacts

Sabrina Guerrieri
Interim Director, Communications
ACI World
Telephone: +1 514 373 1254
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero

Adam Zampini,
Director, Communications and Marketing
ACI World
Telephone: +1 514 373 1254
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero

Brussels, 14 March 2023 – Airports Council International (ACI) today released the annual airport climate action results for Airport Carbon Accreditation, the global carbon standard for airports founded and managed by ACI EUROPE on behalf of airports worldwide

The past reporting year, running from May 2021 to May 2022, ended with 395 airports spanning 79 countries engaging in carbon management and reduction at one of the six program levels. The 91 new accreditations reported this year represent the highest growth since Airport Carbon Accreditation’s inception in 2009. Airports have also made great strides in progressing to more stringent levels of accreditation – 86 airports upgraded to a higher level of carbon management during the year, with 89 having now achieved advanced levels of carbon management.

Highlighted amongst the program’s achievements is the sheer diversity of airports now certified. They include airports of all sizes: top global hubs such as London-Heathrow, Istanbul, Doha Hamad International, Singapore-Changi and Dallas Fort Worth are amongst the accredited rollcall, along with capital gateways in all continents such as Abidjan, Athens, Amman, Phnom Penh, Quito and San Jose. Equally, smaller airports serving remote areas, island nations and popular tourism destinations as diverse as Galapagos, Kelowna, Puerto Vallarta, Enfidha Hammamet, Trondheim and Sunshine Coast are proudly counted in their number.

The reporting period covers a timeframe when many airports were facing the profound impact of sluggish and fragile post-COVID-19 traffic recovery on airports’ financial and operational health. In this context, the results achieved serve to reconfirm airports’ unwavering determination to mitigate their impact on the climate.

Delivering tangible carbon savings

The latest carbon reduction and compensation results achieved by the airport industry are equally record-breaking. In the period covered, accredited airports succeeded in collectively reducing the CO2 emissions under their control by 549,643 tonnes, a reduction of -8.1%. This is the largest reduction ever achieved through the program. In addition, 898,821 tonnes of CO2e were compensated with high quality carbon credits, in line with ACI EUROPE’s Offsetting Guidance based on a qualitative assessment of the compensation mechanisms and offset types available on the market.

Niclas Svenningsen, Manager for Programmes Coordination at the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) said: “The results announced today speak volumes of the global airport industry’s commitment to fighting climate change. Against the backdrop of worsening climate impacts and the window of opportunity to keep the warming below 1.5°C rapidly closing, we need all parts of our global economy to act now. Airports have clearly understood this message and are on the front line of climate mitigation within their spheres of influence and lending their impetus to other industry actors. I commend each and every airport engaged in this collective effort to advance the decarbonisation of the airport industry globally.”

ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said: “The record-breaking results of the ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation program are great achievements by the world’s airports. Founded by ACI EUROPE, this program has become a global success—as reflected in its year over year growth. Congratulations to all 395 airports, spanning 79 countries across all ACI Regions, that have engaged in carbon management and reduction. Despite the challenges brought on by the impact of the pandemic, the airport industry continues to demonstrate its commitment to net zero carbon emissions for international aviation by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement.” 

ACI EUROPE Director General Olivier Jankovec said: “The Airport Carbon Accreditation programme is at the heart of what decarbonising an industry like aviation must be about: aspirational yet deeply practical and actionable, charting not only achievements today but the way forwards for tomorrow. Airports know well the role they play in their communities and the expectations that air passengers have with regard to our shared responsibility for the climate and environment. The Airport Carbon Accreditation programme provides a framework for measurable progress and demonstrable results. We are intensely proud of the achievements to date, and the appetite for continued change.”

Alignment with the Paris Agreement

The latest addition to the program framework, Levels 4 (Transition) and 4+ (Transformation), require airports to align their carbon management and reduction trajectory with the objectives of the Paris Agreement, according to which global warming should be limited to below 2⁰C and ideally 1.5⁰C. Their creation back in July 2019 marked a step-change in the program’s ambition level, laying the ground to accompany airports of all sizes and locations to reach Net Zero CO2.

The number of airports accredited at these levels reached 321 in the reporting period, pointing to the airport community’s readiness to pursue full decarbonisation in line with, or in some cases even more rapidly than the timelines enshrined in the global climate goals.

The 2021-2022 Airport Carbon Accreditation Annual Report can be downloaded here.

About ACI

Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, is a federated organization comprising ACI World, ACI Africa, ACI Asia-Pacific, ACI EUROPE, ACI Latin America-Caribbean and ACI North America. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2023, ACI serves 712 members, operating 1925 airports in 171 countries.

Editors Notes

1. Airport Carbon Accreditation is the only institutionally-endorsed, global carbon management certification program for airports. It independently assesses and recognises the efforts of airports to manage and reduce their carbon emissions through 6 levels of certification: ‘Mapping’, ‘Reduction’, ‘Optimisation’, ‘Neutrality’, ‘Transformation’ and ‘Transition’. Through its 6 levels of certification, Airport Carbon Accreditation acknowledges that airports are at different stages in their journey towards comprehensive carbon management. It is a programme for airports of all sizes, extending beyond hubs and regional airports with scheduled passenger traffic, to include general aviation and freight-focused airports.
2. Access the 2021–2022 Airport Carbon Accreditation Annual Report.

Media contacts

Agata Lyznik
Manager, Communications
ACI EUROPE
Tel: +32 2 552 09 89
Email: agata.lyznik@aci-europe.org

Sabrina Guerrieri
Interim Director, Communications
ACI World
Telephone: +1 514 373 1254
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero

Geneva, 9 March 2023 – Airports Council International (ACI) World and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO) have today announced the development of the Airport System Capacity Enhancement (ASCE) program aimed at removing the barriers to unlocking airport capacity and supporting the sustainable growth of air travel demand.

The ASCE program is one of the core areas of cooperation to come from a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed today at Airspace World by the Director Generals of ACI World and CANSO, representing airport operators and air navigation service providers (ANSPs) respectively. The MoU will see closer levels of collaboration between both organizations to promote the safe, efficient, and sustainable development of civil aviation.

Challenges of air travel growth

According to the latest ACI World Airport Traffic Forecasts 2022–2041, total passenger traffic worldwide is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2021–2041, to reach 19.3 billion passengers. This includes a steep recovery gradient observed in the first five years (CAGR for 2021–2026) at 19.0%. In addition, the aviation industry has committed to the ambitious long-term environmental goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement.

Accommodating the growth of air travel demand has long been a challenge for the aviation system and the future forecasts necessitate cooperation among stakeholders to ensure a safe, efficient, and sustainable air transport system for passengers.

Benefits of the Airport System Capacity Enhancement Program

The ASCE program focusses on the entire airport system and surrounding airspace as these areas can often be the most significant capacity challenges. Unlocking capacity through improved coordination, changes to procedures, and strategic investments in technology and infrastructure, can provide significant advantages.

Improvements in capacity usage can reduce delays and inefficient operations that can result in additional costs for airports, ANSPs and aircraft operators, as well as disruptions for passengers. In some cases, improvements can be made that enable the deferral of costly infrastructure or system investments and contribute to aviation’s ambitious emissions reduction goals.   

How the Airport System Capacity Enhancement Program works

The ASCE program provides a comprehensive onsite review led by industry peers and experts to optimize the use of airport system capacity, both in the air and on the ground. The airports and ANSPs being reviewed benefit from an assessment tailored to their unique needs and receive expertise, practical recommendations, and targeted solutions that contribute to their long-term capacity usage and operational efficiency.

ACI and CANSO will collaborate on a pilot of the program in order to refine and validate methodologies. An ASCE program pilot is planned to take place at Jorge Chávez International Airport, in Lima, Peru, with another one intended in the coming months. Interested parties looking to reap the benefits of the program are invited to fill in the ACI World-CANSO ASCE form.

ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said: “Leveraging all the available capacity across the airport system is one of the key ways that airports and air navigation service providers can support the growth of air travel demand and the sustainability of the global aviation ecosystem. This includes the ability to meet the industry’s ambitious emissions reduction goals while sustaining economic balance by deferring or reducing the need for expensive CAPEX investments. For these reasons, ACI World is proud to be strengthening its relationship with CANSO through the MoU and the launch of the Airport System Capacity Enhancement (ASCE) Program—dedicated to optimizing capacity for today and tomorrow’s passengers.”

CANSO Director General Simon Hocquard added: “ACI and CANSO have many shared priorities and we are pleased to be working with our airport partners on this program. I believe focussing on unlocking system capacity in the airport and airspace terminal environment can deliver real benefits for the system. We need new perspectives on the management of congestion and to be looking at new ways to utilise existing infrastructure resources if we are to meet future demands.”   

About ACI

Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, is a federated organization comprising ACI World, ACI Africa, ACI Asia-Pacific, ACI EUROPE, ACI Latin America-Caribbean and ACI North America. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2023, ACI serves 712 members, operating 1925 airports in 171 countries.

About CANSO

The Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) is the global voice of the air traffic management (ATM) industry and is shaping our future skies. Our members support over 90% of the world’s air traffic and include air navigation service providers, airspace users and operators, manufacturers and aviation industry suppliers. We raise the bar on global ATM performance by connecting the industry to share knowledge, expertise and innovation.

Editors Notes

1. Learn more about the Airport System Capacity Enhancement (ASCE) program.
2. Access the ACI World Airport Traffic Forecasts 2022–2041.

Media contacts

Sabrina Guerrieri
Interim Director, Communications
ACI World
Telephone: +1 514 373 1254
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero

Angy Odysseos
Media Relations Manager
CANSO
Telephone +31 63 047 5595
Email: angy.odysseos@canso.org

Montreal, 6 March 2023 – Airports Council International (ACI) World, in partnership with travel technology company Amadeus, has today announced the winners of this year’s Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, recognizing the best airports for customer experience worldwide, as selected by passengers.

The ASQ program is the world’s leading airport customer experience measurement and benchmarking program. Compared to other programs in the aviation industry, it is based on live research via surveys gathered at the airport—direct from the traveller—rating their satisfaction on the day of travel.

The surveys cover over 30 performance indicators across key elements of the passenger’s airport experience such as ease of finding your way, check-in and shopping and dining offering. This gives the most complete picture of the passenger experience journey at each airport and provides global benchmarks for the industry. Last year, more than half of the world’s travellers passed through an ASQ airport.

New Awards categories

From over 465,000 surveys collected in 2022, 144 awards have been won by 75 airports around the world. The awards categories include the perennial Best Airports by Size (passengers per year) and Region, as well as new categories introduced this year to reflect the evolution of passenger needs:

• Airport with the Most Dedicated Staff
• Easiest Airport Journey
• Most Enjoyable Airport
• Cleanest Airport

Five airports awarded with the ACI World Director General’s Roll of Excellence

ACI World has also revealed today the latest inductees into its Director General’s Roll of Excellence. This honour is conferred to five airports that have won multiple awards over a five-year period in the last 10 years as part of the ASQ program:

• I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Bali, Indonesia)
• Helsinki Airport (Helsinki, Finland)
• Guanacaste Airport (Liberia, Costa Rica)
• Tallinn Airport (Tallinn, Estonia)
• Quito International Airport (Quito, Ecuador)

The ACI World Director General’s Roll of Excellence was established in 2011 and 69 airports have been inducted since then.

Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General of ACI World said: “The passenger is the centre of everything, and this is reflected in every aspect of the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program. Travellers have spoken and recognized the successful efforts of these airport communities in providing outstanding customer experience. Congratulations to the best airports for customer experience worldwide.

“The ASQ program not only measures and benchmarks, but also provides airports of all sizes with an opportunity for continual learning and improvement to reach new heights in customer experience excellence. The new categories not only reflect the growth of the program but also the evolution of passenger needs. It is a non-negotiable—airports must listen closely to the voice of customers so we can continue to serve people and communities in a sustainable and resilient way. This is the way forward.”

Elena Avila, EVP Airport IT & Airline Operations at Amadeus said: “Passengers are the backbone of travel, and that’s exactly why we are thrilled to once again support ACI’s ASQ program. The awards rightly celebrate airports striving to make positive changes in the face of challenges impacting our industry. Underpinned by closer collaboration between all stakeholders, we recognize modern technologies such as data analytics, biometrics, and the cloud are key to transforming the passenger experience. We at Amadeus look forward to supporting our airport customers to continue pushing passenger experience boundaries.”

ACI World continues its longstanding partnership with global travel technology company Amadeus to deliver the ASQ Awards. Both organizations will be handing the 2022 ASQ Awards and the ACI World Director General’s Roll of Excellence to airports during a ceremony at the Customer Experience Global Summit, the premier global event dedicated to airport experience. The event will take place from 4 to 7 September in Incheon, Republic of Korea and is hosted by Incheon Airport.

About ACI

Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, is a federated organization comprising ACI World, ACI Africa, ACI Asia-Pacific, ACI EUROPE, ACI Latin America-Caribbean and ACI North America. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2023, ACI serves 712 members, operating 1925 airports in 171 countries.

About Amadeus

Travel powers progress. Amadeus powers travel. Amadeus’ solutions connect travellers to the journeys they want through travel agents, search engines, tour operators, airlines, airports, hotels, cars and railways.

We have developed our technology in partnership with the travel industry for over 30 years. We combine a deep understanding of how people travel with the ability to design and deliver the most complex, trusted, critical systems our customers need. We help connect over 1.6 billion people a year to local travel providers in over 190 countries.

We are one company, with a global mindset and a local presence wherever our customers need us.

Our purpose is to shape the future of travel. We are passionate in our pursuit of better technology that makes better journeys.

Amadeus is an IBEX 35 company, listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange under AMS.MC. The company has been recognized by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the last eight years.

To find out more about Amadeus, visit www.amadeus.com.

Media contacts

Adam Zampini
Director, Communications and Marketing
ACI World
Telephone: +1 514 373 1254
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero

Monica Hansen
Corporate Communications
Amadeus
Telephone: +47 94 50 70 97
Email: monica.hansen@amadeus.com