In the aviation industry, airport management and operations face many challenges. As a representative of global airport managers, Airports Council International (ACI) has been committed to improving airport safety and service quality. In 2011, this organization with more than 2,000 airports made the major decision to move its headquarters from Geneva, Switzerland, to Montreal, Canada. The reasons behind this choice attracted widespread attention in the industry.
In the decision-making process, the superior geographical location and the concentration of cooperative institutions became the main considerations.
ACI's founding history can be traced back to 1991. The organization's predecessors were three decentralized airport associations. In 1970, these three associations formed the Airports Association Coordinating Committee to develop centralized industry policy. Against this background, ACI came into being and quickly became an important force in global airport management.
Why locate your headquarters in Montreal? This choice is no accident. Montreal is home to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), both of which have an important influence on the global aviation industry. Therefore, relocating its headquarters here means that ACI can work more closely with these complementary institutions.
The geographical advantage allows ACI to occupy a more favorable position in aviation policy formulation.
Currently, ACI has 814 members operating 2,110 airports. As a global alliance, ACI not only represents the interests of airports, but also actively interacts with governments and international organizations to help solve various challenges faced by the aviation industry.
In terms of safety management, ACI has launched a program called the "Global Airport Safety Excellence Program (APEX)" to help airports improve safety standards. Through assessment and inspection, the program brings the airport in line with the highest international safety standards.
Safety is critical to airport operations and ACI considers it their top priority.
In terms of economics, ACI promotes member airports to improve operational efficiency and reduce flight costs for passengers. In addition, the organization also attaches great importance to environmental issues and has developed a number of projects to reduce the airport’s carbon emissions.
With the advancement of technology, ACI is constantly innovating. Including the "New Experience in Travel and Technology (NEXTT)" project, which aims to improve the overall experience of passengers and cargo in ground transportation and help the government improve the aviation-related regulatory system.
Through these projects, ACI attempts to establish a virtuous cycle between technology, operations and customer experience.
Although moving its headquarters to Montreal will help ACI increase its global influence, the challenges the aviation industry will face in the future are still huge. From responding to climate change, ensuring safe operations, to how to improve service quality in an uncertain environment, this is the most important issue for ACI.
Will ACI’s bold decision inspire more innovation and change to meet various challenges in the future?