ACI Media Press Release Archives (2011)

The focus of WAGA 2011 is a practical exploration of economics, safety and the customer service facets of airports that are essential to ensuring business resilience. Two breakout sessions will explore airport investment and commercial revenues.

We are delighted to announce that Ms. Monhla Hlahla, outgoing Managing Director of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) will be our keynote speaker. Ms. Hlahla has been an active ACI member and has represented ACSA on many ACI boards and committees, including the World Governing Board and World Executive Committee. Throughout her career, Ms. Hlahla has received a number of awards and was voted by Business Women Associations (BWA) as Business Woman of the Year in 2005.

We are also pleased that Mr. Tony Tyler, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of International Air Transport Association (IATA), will speak at the conference. Mr. Tyler became the sixth leader of the association when he took on the role of Director General and Chief Executive Officer on 1 July 2011. "Airports and airlines are partners. We work together successfully to deliver constant improvements in safety, security, environmental responsibility and the passenger experience. We do this as an industry that is prone to shocks and often severely buffeted by the state of the global economy. The outlook for 2012 is full of uncertainty. Airlines will be will be redoubling their efforts to protect a weakening bottom line by improving efficiency, cutting costs and adapting their businesses models. In light of this, I look forward to discussing ways to further strengthen the airline airport partnership with the ACI membership when we meet in Marrakech,” said Tyler.

In conjunction with this year’s event, a large-scale exhibition and exclusive social events will be hosted by ONDA, the Moroccan national airport operator, in order to provide attendees with valuable networking opportunities.