Monday, May 27, 2024 The Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID), representing 624 airports, presented two pivotal papers at the ICAO Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the Middle East in Riyadh. These papers emphasized the urgent need to enhance air connectivity and integrate Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) into the existing air transportation system. The paper on air connectivity highlighted its critical role in global development, trade, and cultural exchange, advocating for a strategic focus on restoring and expanding air connections.
It called on countries to liberalize traffic rights policies both bilaterally and multilaterally and to simplify the visa process for inbound international travelers where possible. As AAM nears commercial viability, ACI APAC & MID underscored the necessity for standardized regulations, certifications, and policy frameworks to govern this emerging sector. These regulations are essential for ensuring safety, security, equitable market access, and healthy competition.
The conference acknowledged ACI APAC & MID’s efforts in promoting AAM and encouraged nations to develop consistent standards and policies and to incorporate AAM into airport master planning for safe and sustainable mobility. Mr. Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East , said, “Recognising the key role of air transport in driving economic growth and facilitating global trade, ACI APAC & MID un.
