ACI Media Press Release Archives (2006)

The theme of this year’s conference is Airports mean business and according to ACI Director General Robert J Aaronson it provides delegates with an opportunity to share perspectives and experiences on how airports can maximise their growth potential and implement efficient business practices that ensure bottom-line profitability. “

The theme encapsulates both a statement of fact and our business philosophy. It announces that we - the world's airports and the ACI organisation worldwide - intend to improve the passenger experience, which has been degraded by ever increasing regulation and restrictions. It means that we intend to adapt or change current practices in order to achieve greater efficiency and quality of service for passengers. We look forward to hearing what the experts have to say about the challenges and possible solutions."

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) was chosen to host this year’s event and managing director Monhla Hlahla explains what an honour it is, “ACSA is particularly proud to have this unique opportunity to showcase our country to our peers from across the globe and to present our continent, Africa, in the most positive light to the global aviation industry.” Hlahla will address the conference on Tuesday, and will speak about the changing face of air transport in Africa by 2015. She says that the theme, Airports mean business is especially relevant to Africa considering that air transport currently contributes more than US$ 11 billion to African GDP, “And if we include air-transport-dependent tourism activities, the contribution to GDP in Africa reaches approximately US$55.5 billion!”

George Uriesi, General Manager of Cape Town International Airport is especially pleased to be welcoming delegates of such a high calibre to South Africa’s tourist capital, Cape Town “We are confident that this year’s World General Assembly will be a tremendous success as well as a memorable African experience for all the attending delegates. We are also delighted that the Minister of Transport the Honourable Mr Jeff Radebe, Minister of Transport will officially open the conference.”

Delegates to the conference will be addressed by a host of respected speakers including Dr Assad Kotaite, former President of the ICAO Council and Mr Mandla S.V Gantsho vice President Operations – Infrastructure, Private Sector & Regional Integration, African Development Bank Group.

ACI and ACSA are delighted to have had the opportunity to work together in the planning and organisational stages ahead of the conference and are now looking forward to the successful culmination of their joint efforts, as the conference gets underway.