Manager for communications and brand marketing, Yuman Lau, provides a quarterly round-up of the latest news and developments from ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East.
AIR CONNECTIVITY CONFERENCE IN SHANGHAI
ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID), in partnership with the China Civil Airports Association, successfully organised the Air Connectivity Conference 2025, hosted by the Shanghai Airport Authority.
The conference focused on the critical role of air connectivity as a driver of socio-economic development.
Our director general, Stefano Baronci, delivered a comprehensive ‘State of the Industry’ presentation, highlighting regional traffic growth forecasts and capital expenditure trends across Asia-Pacific and Middle East. He also emphasised the strong competitiveness of Chinese airports within the global landscape.
While at the conference the DG, Stefano Baronci, met with Zhou Hao and Zhao Haibo, the president and vice president respectively of Shanghai Airport Authority to look at ways ACI can strengthen its collaboration with one of the region’s leading airport operators.
ENGAGEMENT WITH THE CHINESE AIRPORT COMMUNITY
ACI APAC & MID has participated in an External Affairs Meeting organised by the China Civil Airports Association (CCAA), and hosted by Sunan Shuofang International Airport Ltd in Wuxi, China.
During the conference, ACI APAC & MID’s senior manager for economics, Philip Kwok, presented insights from the latest ACI World Airport Traffic Forecasts 2024–2053, highlighting the leading role of the Asia-Pacific region in driving global aviation growth.
In addition, Jacky Wong, our manager for membership services and business development, provided an overview of ACI’s key services and accreditation programmes, outlined critical advocacy positions, and highlighted strategic publications and research reports beneficial to Chinese airports.
He also extended an invitation for the Chinese airport community to take an active role in upcoming ACI APAC & MID and ACI World events.
NUBIA WELCOMED AS NEW MEMBER
New Ulaanbaatar International Airport LLC (NUBIA) is the newest member of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East — a significant step in strengthening our regional network in Northeast Asia.
Our director general, Stefano Baronci, had the honour of presenting the membership certificate to Tetsuo Noda, CEO of NUBIA and his team, in a symbolic handover ceremony in Ulaanbaatar.
This occasion also provided the opportunity to showcase the wide range of services and programmes available to our members — from climate resilience, technical committees to capacity building. These initiatives are designed to empower our members in delivering excellence and resilience in a dynamic aviation landscape.
STRONG AIRPORT RESPONSE TO CLIMATE ADAPTATION WEBINAR
In collaboration with World Business Partner, AECOM, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East successfully hosted a webinar on Climate Adaptation Approach for APAC & MID Airports.
This was the first major milestone of the multi-phase initiative launched in February 2025 to help member airports build climate resilience. The study is now entering its full-scale implementation phase.
Over 50 attendees representing 38 airport operators and aviation organisations across Asia (23), the Pacific (10), Middle East (15) and Europe (2) joined the webinar, reflecting strong regional interest and a shared commitment to addressing climate challenges.
The session featured an active exchange of ideas, questions, and insights, laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration moving forward.
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP IN DELHI
ACI APAC & MID hosted a communications workshop on ‘Crisis Response & Communication: How to Manage Sustainability Achievements’ prior to the start of the main Assembly, Conference & Exhibition in New Delhi.
Held on April 15, it brought together communications professionals from leading airports in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East to tackle the growing challenge of promoting green initiatives amid public scrutiny.
Participants explored best practices in communicating environmental achievements; crisis strategies for defending sustainability claims; and aligning messaging with credible, verifiable data.
The session provided timely reminders of the power – and responsibility – of strategic communication in shaping public trust.
AIR TRANSPORT WORKING GROUP SUSTAINABILITY FORUM
Our sustainability expert, Ken Lau, shared his insights on how sustainable airports can overcome climate change challenges at the 51st ASEAN Air Transport Working Group Sustainability Forum in Pattaya, Thailand.
We urged States and airports to step up their climate resilience efforts; Participate in the ACI APAC & MID Net Zero Roadmap Programme; and join the Climate Change Adaptation Study to strengthen airport resilience.
AIRPORT TRAFFIC THINK TANK MEETS IN ATHENS
Airspace constraints, global uncertainties, air cargo growth, and the role of artificial intelligence in forecasting were central topics of discussion at the recent ACI Airport Traffic Think Tank (AT3) meeting in Athens.
The AT3, a specialist sub-committee of the ACI World Economics Committee focused on air traffic forecasting, brought together nearly 70 experts, including traffic forecasters, strategic planners, and business developers from airports across Europe, Latin America, North America, and Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
Participants discussed shared challenges in forecasting amidst rapidly evolving geopolitical dynamics and shifting international trade policies –factors that directly influence global economic trends, and in turn, affect air travel and cargo demand. The group also explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in enhancing forecasting accuracy through improved data processing and analysis.
NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM FOR HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
The ACI APAC & MID Regional Human Resources Committee, has unveiled a new leadership team. Tim Yuanhung Ting, director of HR at Taoyuan International Airport Corporation is the new chair of the committee. The new vice chair and second vice chair respectively are Hwai Kar Goh, senior vice president of people services and rewards at Changi Airport Group, and Nasser Alqahtani, general manager of human capital at Cluster2 Airports Company.
GREEN AIRPORTS RECOGNITION WINNERS
A record number of participants led to 12 airports being recognised for their excellence in sustainable energy management in this year’s Green Airports Recognition (GAR) programme.
The 2025 theme, ‘Sustainable Energy at Airports’ highlighted the industry’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact through innovative energy solutions.
Airports were encouraged to showcase groundbreaking/innovative initiatives in energy management, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), renewable energy sources like solar and green diesel, electric vehicles, green and zero-energy buildings, and various energy optimisation measures.
Twelve airports were recognised with Platinum, Gold, and Silver awards based on airport size and specific criteria. Platinum awards were given to Singapore Changi, Kansai, Christchurch and Hubballi airports for their exceptional efforts in energy management and sustainability. The awards were presented during the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly in New Delhi.
A record-breaking number of submissions for the awards arguably shows the growing priority airports are placing on environmental sustainability and the widespread adoption of best practices in energy management.
“The high-quality number of submissions this year highlights the airport industry’s commitment to sustainable energy practices, from renewable energy adoption to eco-friendly operations, SAF integration, and energy efficiency,” noted ACI APAC & MID DG, Stefano Baronci.
“These projects set a benchmark for the aviation industry. Congratulations to all recognised airports. We look forward to building a sustainable aviation future together.”
You can read more about Christchurch’s success in the GAR programme on page 43 of this issue.
SHARED SECURITY PRIORITIES AT REGIONAL AIRLINE MEETING
ACI APAC & MID was honoured to be invited as a guest speaker for the 41st Security Committee Meeting of Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
ACI APAC & MID delivered a presentation highlighting some of the top security priorities of airports in the region, including the urgent need to increase compliance to ICAO Annex 17 regulations, improving operational efficiency to cope with the rising demand of passenger traffic and addressing emerging security threats against airports.
WELCOME APPROVAL FOR AUCKLAND INVESTMENT PLAN
ACI APAC & MID expressed strong support for Auckland Airport’s infrastructure development plans and therefore welcomes the New Zealand Commerce Commission’s recent decision on the airport’s 2022-2027 pricing event.
ACI APAC & MID endorsed the New Zealand Commerce Commission’s findings, confirming that Auckland Airport’s NZ$6.6 billion investment plan is well-justified. The Association emphasised that the airport’s pricing proposal was developed through a rigorous and transparent consultation process with all aviation stakeholders, including airlines, and adheres to the highest global regulatory standards.