ACI World outlines airport priorities at ICAO’s 42nd Assembly in Montreal

 

ACI World ICAO Assembly participation will spotlight the most pressing airport priorities as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) convenes its 42nd Assembly in Montreal from 23 September to 3 October. With global passenger numbers forecast to nearly double to 18.9 billion by 2047, Airports Council International (ACI) World stresses the need for airports to have a decisive role in shaping international policy.

The Assembly will bring together more than 2,000 leaders from governments and civil aviation authorities to define global aviation policies and standards.

“With passenger traffic forecast to double to 18.9 billion by 2047, airports must have a strong voice at the ICAO Assembly – the defining global forum for international aviation, where the industry’s direction is set,” said ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci. “Our proposals put forward practical, collaborative solutions to improve the passenger experience, strengthen safety and security, and enable the socio-economic benefits of aviation to flourish in communities worldwide.”

Key airport priorities presented by ACI World

Operating under the theme Transform airports, empower aviation and connect the world, ACI World has submitted six working papers to ICAO that focus on advancing safety, passenger experience, energy transition, and connectivity:

• Barriers to air connectivity and consumers: Urges States to remove regulatory, fiscal, and visa-related obstacles that limit traffic growth and hinder socio-economic development.
• Safety fundamentals – Aerodrome certification: Calls on ICAO and States to prioritize airport certification and support industry-led programs to enhance global safety.
• Security equipment testing and certification: Advocates for harmonized security equipment certification to improve coordination, reduce deployment delays, and accelerate adoption of innovative technologies.
• Meeting airports’ growing energy demand: Encourages governments to secure renewable and reliable energy access for airports to achieve decarbonization goals.
• Seamless passenger experience: Promotes scalable biometric and digital identity solutions at borders to improve efficiency and security for rising travel demand.
• Modern airport slot policy framework: Calls for an updated global aviation slot policy that reflects public interest, economic growth, and industry structural shifts.

Implications for global aviation

ACI World’s agenda reflects the critical role airports play in meeting soaring air travel demand while balancing sustainability, safety, and connectivity. By aligning global standards with airport realities, ACI aims to secure the foundations for resilient aviation growth that benefits economies and communities worldwide.

Why it matters

The ICAO Assembly outcomes influence national strategies and regulatory environments across all regions. ACI’s advocacy supports a future where airports are empowered to decarbonize via access to renewable energy, passengers benefit from seamless experience, and air connectivity expands – delivering tangible socio-economic benefits for people and communities worldwide.

According to the Air Transport Action Group’s (ATAG) latest Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders report, aviation supports 86.5 million jobs worldwide and contributes USD 4.1 trillion to global GDP (3.9% of global GDP), underscoring the sector’s essential role in jobs, trade, and global prosperity.

Tags: ACI World Justin Erbacci, ICAO