ACI World’s APEX program helps airports optimize their safety, security, and environmental measures to facilitate compliance with ICAO regulations and standards. To achieve this, we deliver onsite reviews tailored to host airports’ unique needs and operational realities. Our experts provide guidance and support throughout the review process, from assessing airport operations to implementing a concrete action plan that will enhance its compliance level.

APEX is an important tool for airports on the path to and maintaining certification.

APEX Benefits

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Identify and reduce safety, security, or environmental gaps and vulnerabilities
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Connect with a network of international experts and airport peers
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Establish key performance indicators and measurement tools
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Develop a risk management plan and mitigation strategies
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Increase staff skills and knowledge through ACI courses and programs
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Helps to develop a comprehensive airport action plan
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Maximize regulatory compliance and standards

APEX Program Priority Areas

APEX in Safety

Safety review areas include:

Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting

Documentation

Physical Characteristics and Visual Aids

Wildlife Management

APEX in Security

Security review areas include:

Organization

Facilities

People

Procedures

Quality Management

APEX in Environment

Environment review areas include:

Environmental Governance

Noise Management

Air Quality & GHG

Energy Management

Waste Management

Host an On-site APEX review and benefit from peer support and industry expertise

Host a Virtual APEX Review

Given the challenges of COVID-19, ACI World is now offering virtual APEX reviews. Get access to an international pool of over 400+ experts in safety and security airport operational management.

The virtual assessment provides airports with insights into all documentation, standard operating procedures, management programs (FOD, Management Systems, Pavement Management Program, Risk Management etc.) data collection practices and many other aspects under the airport operator’s responsibilities.

Timeline: 3 to 5 days

Assessment of the effective implementation of all four components of the SMS.

Timeline: 2 to 4 days

Assessment of the content of the Aerodrome Manual (AM) and its implementation, links to other operational documents and Standard Operating Procedures, validation of the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) against the aeronautical data provided in the AM, management of exemptions and findings from the Civil Aviation Authority. 

Timeline: 3 to 4 days

Assessment of the content, implementation, data collection and analysis, key performance indicators of the wildlife hazard management plan.

Timeline: 3 to 5 days

Assessment of the effective implementation of up to date Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) supporting the ASP through a robust Security Management Systems and its maturity. Looking at all aspects of the airport’s security responsibilities and their implementation into the security programme such as the organization, compliance, Risk Management, Staff (recruitment, I.D badge issuing process,) recovery and planning process and the training programme.

Timeline: 2 to 3 days

An in-depth look into the integration of risk-based decisions in the security business process. This will provide feedback in the risk matrix used, the threat registry and risk management methodology and how our vulnerabilities identified could be resolved by using best industry practices.

Timeline: 2 to 3 days

An analysis of security screening would be undertaken in advance by evaluating checkpoint layouts as-well as an analysis of key KPIs across security effectiveness, operational efficiency, and customer experience. Feedback would be discussed, and recommendations would be provided during the virtual assessment where benchmarking against international standards and results could also be provided.

Timeline: 3 days

From the established protocols of the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) and its equipment, the definition of the Crisis Management Team, the Aerodrome Emergency Plan and coordination with all stakeholders, contingency and business continuity plans, this will assess the level of preparedness or vulnerability an airport currently has and recommendations to be prepared for an aviation safety, security or any type of crisis it may need to face.

Timeline: 2 to 3 days

This program is designed to assist airports in aligning and enhance their practices to continuously improve as an engaged member of the community and value chain in their ability to support the Buckingham Palace Declaration commitments and the global Wildlife Trafficking Prevention agenda endorsed by ACI, ROUTES and United for Wildlife.