ACI World, China Civil Airports Association Agree To Cooperate On Key Issues
The China Civil Airports Association (CCAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Airports Council International (ACI) World to collaborate on initiatives ranging from passenger customer service to decarbonization.
ACI-Asia Pacific & Middle East is also party to the MOU, which was signed during a five-day trip to China by ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira that included meetings with a number of airport directors and Civil Aviation Administration of China Administrator Song Zhiyong.
“The reopening of China in 2022, the second-largest aviation market after the U.S., remains a critical boost to global activity and to passenger traffic, both domestically within the Chinese aviation market and for international travel,” de Oliveira says in a statement. “The Asia-Pacific region, where China plays a key role, is expected to rebound in 2023, reaching 85.3% of 2019 levels [of passenger traffic].”
The MOU outlines cooperation in improving airport customer service through the ACI Airport Service Quality program; training for airport workers; assessments by peers from other global airports through ACI’s Airport Excellence Program; and decarbonization.
De Oliveira says ACI World will work with CCAA “in a multitude of ways, including enhancing the customer experience, honing professional skills and accreditations, championing decarbonization and organizing airport events around the world.”
ACI-Asia Pacific & Middle East Director General Stefano Baronci adds: “China will continue to be one of the most vibrant aviation markets, and is expected to contribute 21% to the additional growth in the global traffic by 2041. In order to cater to this growth, Chinese airports must make substantial preparations for efficient operations, addressing evolving passenger needs and implementing sustainable measures for environmental protection.”
CCAA Chairman Mam Wang Ruiping says the MOU “formalizes a comprehensive and in-depth cooperation wherein Chinese airports are fully internationalized and integral to the development of global civil aviation.”
