ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East at the 54th ASEAN Air Transport Working Group

2026-10-05

The 54^th ASEAN Air Transport Working Group (ATWG54) and related meetings took place from October 5 to October 9, 2026, in Da Nang, Vietnam, hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) in coordination with the ASEAN Secretariat.

ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East brought together Civil Aviation Authorities, airports, airlines from across ASEAN and international organisations for a dialogue on the socio-economic value of airports and the policy framework needed to support ASEAN’s next phase of aviation growth.

Stefano Baronci, Director General, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, set the regional context, highlighting the socio-economic contribution of airports, supported by findings from our research partners InterVISTAS Consulting, represented by Solomon Wong, President & CEO, and Jody Kositsky, Senior Director.

The presentation translated the study’s findings into clear policy recommendations for strengthening connectivity, supporting market development and preparing ASEAN’s aviation sector for the growth ahead.

The dialogue continued through a fireside chat featuring Stefano Baronci and Mr. Tao Ma, Regional Director, ICAO, moderated by Sheldon Hee, Regional Vice President, Asia-Pacific, IATA, examining the role of infrastructure, technology and human capital in driving aviation growth across the region.