Airports Council International World launches the Airport Excellence (APEX) in Security programme
| Montreal, 23 October 2017 – Airports Council International (ACI) announced the launch of the Airport Excellence (APEX) in Security programme at the 27th Airports Council International (ACI) Africa/World Annual General Assembly, Conference & Exhibition , that took place from 16–18 October in Port Louis, Mauritius. The launch kicked off the third day of the conference, where industry leaders from around the world have convened to explore solutions to a wide range of challenges under the theme “Bold leadership in a time of change.”
Angela Gittens, Director General, ACI World, officially launched the programme, following a presentation from Mam Sait Jallow, Regional Director, Western and Central African Office of the International Civil Air Organization (ICAO); and, a case study from Romesh Bhoyroo, CEO of the host airport, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Mauritius, where the first pilot programme review was completed in 2016. With the continuous and evolving security threat challenging the aviation industry, and a strong demand for compliance with standards coming from the UN Security Council, ICAO and governments, it has become imperative that airports have the most effective, appropriate and cost effective security measures in place. APEX in Security plays a key role in helping airports understand where they can improve, in terms of security standards, best practice and operational efficiency. Since the launch of the APEX in Safety Programme in 2012, ACI’s strength and capability in bringing the airport community together to provide assistance and advice to airports has drawn strong interest from the membership and international organizations, including ICAO, the European Aviation Safety Agency, the Federal Aviation Administration, the European Commission and the World Bank. APEX in Security is run on similar lines to the popular APEX in Safety programme. It uses international standards and recommended practices, supplemented by implementation guidelines as its base, and supplements this with the expert views of seasoned practitioners from airports around the world. “A sustainable aviation industry is built upon a foundation of safety and security,” said Gittens. “I am pleased to officially launch APEX in Security, one year after having signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ICAO, which sees both organizations working more closely towards the objectives of the programme. I hope that many airports will benefit from the knowledge, expertise and leadership of the community of airports. Every airport can benefit and every airport can contribute.” Speaking on behalf of the President of the ICAO Council, Jallow said “ICAO appreciates that great progress can be achieved on the basis of the excellent cooperation established between our Organization, ACI and other industry stakeholders. This is very important today as we seek to confront and manage the challenges of sectoral growth together, and to the benefit of operators, facilities, and sustainable societies all over the world. Member States remain very grateful for these proactive industry contributions and we will be looking forward to more of the same in the years ahead.” Building on the success of APEX in Security in Mauritius, six further pilot reviews were conducted at member airports in Africa and Asia Pacific, and a strong pipeline of reviews is now being developed for the balance of 2017 and 2018. |
| Notes for editors |
| 1.Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, was founded in 1991 with the objective of fostering cooperation among its member airports and other partners in world aviation, including the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Air Transport Association and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2017, ACI serves 623 members operating 1,940 airports in 176 countries.
2.Learn more about the 27th Annual ACI Africa/World Annual General Assembly, Conference & Exhibition. 3. More information on APEX in Security. 4. View the photos of the 27th ACI Africa/World Annual Assembly, Conference and Exhibition. |
| Media contact |
| Sabrina Guerrieri Manager, Communications ACI World Telephone: +1 514 373 1223 Email: mediarelations@aci.aero |
| Anita Berthier Manager, External Relations and Special Events ACI World Telephone: +1 514 373 1254 Email: mediarelations@aci.aero |
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