Speaking at the ACI-LAC/World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition in Lima, ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci said: “The industry will need to invest USD 4.6 trillion by 2055 just to meet the growth already coming its way. But we cannot simply build our way out of this challenge. Capacity creation means getting more from existing infrastructure, working as one system with airlines and air navigation service providers, and creating policy so that infrastructure can deliver its full benefits – connecting people and markets while also enhancing regional economic value.”
ACI World identified airport slots as a central element of capacity planning. Following the release of its white paper earlier this month, the organisation is taking the discussion to governments and regulators worldwide. It said slot policy concerns not only technical scheduling but also strategic public interests, with implications for communities and economies.
“When capacity is scarce, decisions about who can fly, where and when shape connectivity, competition and passenger choice,” said Erbacci. “We are asking governments to plan ahead for aviation growth, enable capacity before it reaches crisis point, and modernise regulatory frameworks and slot policies. And we cannot ask airports to expand capacity while limiting their ability to finance it. The equation simply does not work.
ACI World is also calling on regulators to provide stable and proportionate frameworks that support long-term investment. It is also calling on finance ministries to consider the economic value generated by aviation connectivity alongside the immediate revenue generated by the sector.
The ACI-LAC/World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition is taking place in Lima from 25 to 29 September 2026. The event is co-organised with ACI Latin America and Caribbean and hosted by Lima Airport.
The gathering is bringing together more than 600 aviation leaders, government representatives and industry partners from over 60 countries.
“Latin America and the Caribbean has long been one of aviation’s great growth stories, and there is no better place to talk about the future of our industry,” said Erbacci. “I thank ACI-LAC for partnering with us, and Lima Airport for an exceptional welcome.”
Event highlights include:
Global and regional state of the airport industry presentations featuring Justin Erbacci (Director General, ACI World) and Rafael Echevarne (Director General, ACI-LAC), alongside welcome remarks from Juan José Salmón (President of ACI-LAC and CEO of Lima Airport).
An address by Peru’s Deputy Minister of Communications, Dalia Miroslava Suárez Salazar.
Around 20 executive sessions covering critical industry topics such as infrastructure and capacity, digital transformation, Advanced Air Mobility, and sustainability.
“Women in Airports” initiative launch, dedicated to driving real inclusivity and empowering women in the airport industry to develop and flourish in their careers.
Recognition ceremony marking 15 years of ACI’s Airport Excellence Programme (APEX), celebrating nearly 250 peer-led airport safety and security reviews worldwide.
Air Transport Summit: Strategic discussions on shaping the future of aviation in Latin America and the Caribbean, featuring dedicated workshops on airport charges and slot policies.
Tags: Justin Erbacci Airports Council International (ACI World)
