ACI Media Press Release Archives (2005)

ACI Director General Robert J Aaronson comments, “For airports this means that within 15 years we must be ready to provide excellent customer care for twice as many people. Clearly this growth impacts airport capacity planning.”

The worldwide forecasts are based on data collected in early 2005 from 273 ACI member airports, which represent 60% of global passenger traffic, from all regions. Using an enhanced reporting model, this significant and representative data sample reported both short-term forecasts for the next three years and long-term projections. Taking into account airport and airspace capacity issues, the results of this reality-based method show that by 2020 passenger demand would surpass available airport infrastructure by about 1 billion passengers, resulting in heavy congestion and a general deterioration in the quality of service at airports.

“This is a warning flag that must not be ignored,” says Aaronson. “Although ACI members built new capacity at a record rate in 2004, spending over USD 31 billion, those efforts are simply not enough. Regulatory, political and environmental barriers to building new infrastructure could stifle the air transport industry, just as it returns to a vibrant pattern of growth after the worst slump in its history. Therefore it is urgent for governments to create a regulatory environment that creates commercial incentives for accelerated construction of new airport and air traffic control infrastructure.”

“Airport operators are committed to working with their air transport industry partners to meet our environmental goals to restrict noise and emissions. They will continue to be proactive contributors to the long-term economic health of their respective communities by ensuring a balanced approach to industry growth in an environmentally responsible way.”

The executive summary from the full report can be downloaded below and the full report can be ordered in the publications section of this site.