Munich Airport first to launch suite of ACI accredited cyber security courses at new state of the art training centre

Brussels, 18 June 2018 – Airports Council International (ACI) World has today marked its agreement with Munich Airport (FMG) to accredit and recognise a series of cyber-security courses offered by FMG’s Airport Academy under the ACI Accredited Training Institute (ATI). Representatives from ACI and FMG met in Brussels at the ACI EUROPE/World General Assembly, Congress & Exhibition to acknowledge the collaboration.

More airports are taking a pro-active role in addressing these challenges with Munich International Airport (FMG) at the forefront in developing its own dedicated training centre to tackle the threat of cyber-attacks. With its fully equipped cyber simulation range equipment, a group can carry out realistic attacks on IT systems for training purposes, with, for example, a second group assigned to take defensive measures.

The new training centre, which officially started operations in January 2018, will bring together IT experts from its own organization (FMG) as well as specialists from high-profile tech companies to test defensive strategies and look for new solutions in the fight against cyber-criminals. With the support of three renowned European IT security companies – ERNW INSIGHT, HvS-Consulting and IT-CUBE SYSTEMS – this new facility is known as the “Information Security Hub or ISH”.

Angela Gittens, Director General, ACI World, said: “With the rapid evolution of the digital age, there is also an alarming increase in the number of cyber-attacks on IT systems within the public and private sectors. ACI recognizes the importance of promoting training programmes and strategies to mitigate these threats and is pleased to accredit and recognize these cyber-security courses. The programme is in keeping with the mandated training needs outlined by the ACI Security Standing Committee to ensure a safe, secure and efficient transportation system.”

Dr. Michael Kerkloh, the President and CEO of Munich Airport said: “We‘re looking forward to stepping up our partnership with ACI. Through this cooperation, we aim to help international airports achieve operational excellence through tailor-made training concepts. A focal point of these efforts is the fight against cyber-crime. 

“With the steady advances in automation and digitization of airport activities, airport operators will face bigger challenges than ever before in securing their systems against threat scenarios. It is a task for all airports and will require closer forms of cooperation. The aim of the Memorandum of Understanding with the ACI is to share Munich Airport‘s expertise in this area to benefit the airport community worldwide.”

Notes to 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 the global air transport system is safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2018, provisional figures show that ACI serves 641 members operating 1,953 airports in 176 countries. 

2. Learn more about ACI Global Training– the world’s leading provider of airport management and operations education.

3. Download a PDF version of this media release. 

Media contacts:

Hicham Ayoun         
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