As we stand on the cusp of the next decade, a clear imperative emerges for the aviation industry: substantial investment in infrastructure. The skies of the Asia-Pacific and Middle East are set to witness an unprecedented surge in passenger traffic, with projected annual growth rates of 7.8% and 8.1% respectively.
President of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, SGK Kishore shares his vision for the region’s airports, emphasising innovation, sustainability, and connectivity.
The year 2024 marked a new milestone for the aviation industry. Passenger traffic not only rebounded from the pandemic but also expected to have exceeded pre-pandemic levels, signaling a new era of growth. Asia-Pacific served an estimated 3.5 billion passengers or 3% increase over 2019, while the Middle East continued its upward trajectory, reaching an estimated 443 million passengers—a remarkable 9% growth over pre-pandemic levels.
From advocating to liberalised aviation policies to driving regional alignment at the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East DGCA Conferences, our strategic initiatives have positioned ACI as a leading voice in addressing the evolving needs of the airport sector. Additionally, we made significant strides in advancing environmental initiatives, unveiling impactful connectivity rankings, and advocating for infrastructure development to secure the long-term success of airports across the region.
Christchurch Airport has set a benchmark in sustainability by becoming the first airport in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions to achieve Level 5 status of Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA), the pinnacle of the programme. This milestone not only highlights the airport's commitment to reducing carbon emissions but also the strategic approaches and innovative projects that have paved the way for this success.
2023 was an important year for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Manufacturers of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) around the world have made significant progress in developing their equipment and vehicles, as well as satisfying some of the necessary requirements for obtaining Type Certification (TC).
Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and Middle East supports the development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and electric-powered Vertical Take-off and Landing aircraft (eVTOLs). Representing 623 members from 47 countries/ territories, ACI Asia-Pacific will advocate the positive position onf AAMs by presenting a discussion paper in the upcoming ICAO 58th Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation – Asia and Pacific Region in Dhaka, Bangladesh in October. Besides, ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East will formulate a discussion panel in Airports Innovate, our next big event in Muscat, Oman in November.
Director General, Stefano Baronci, reflects on the negative impact of soaring airfares and a busy second quarter of the year that included the 18th ACI Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition in Kobe.
2023 heralds a new dawn for the aviation and tourism industry. After having remained shut for nearly three years, China-- the world’s biggest aviation market – has reopened its borders to the world. This is a significant milestone for the aviation industry in the region that has started to lose its dominating market position it enjoyed since 2012.
Sunny Yoon, executive director of Incheon International Airport Corporation’s Terminal Operation Group, talks to ACI Asia-Pacific’s Sunil Subbaiah about the South Korean hub’s commitment to delivering a world-class passenger experience.
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