Taking center stage in shaping aviation’s future, ACI World welcomed the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) at its Montreal headquarters from 18–19 March 2025. The series of high-level discussion brought together the ICAO Council President, Secretary General, and Council Members to align on key airport industry priorities and the broader future of flying.
ACI World and ICAO: A long-standing relationship
ACI World and ICAO are both key organizations in global aviation, but they have different roles.
- ICAO is a UN agency responsible for setting international standards and regulations for civil aviation, including air traffic management, flight safety, and security.
- ACI World, part of the ACI federation,is a global trade association that represents the interests of airports. It advocates for policies that improve airport operations, efficiency, and sustainability.
ACI is an organization that is invited to attend ICAO meetings. This allows us to work closely to the UN agency to ensure that the airports’ perspective is represented during all key periods of policy development and standard setting.
A unified vision for aviation growth
During the discussions, ACI World’s Director General and the ACI World Leadership team emphasized the industry’s commitment to a safe, secure, and sustainable aviation ecosystem—fully aligned with ICAO’s goals.
With air travel moving from recovery to a period of sustained growth, ACI World is advocating for a unified approach to tackling industry challenges. Airports play a crucial role in this aviation ecosystem, and ACI World is committed to ensuring their resilience.
By aligning priorities with ICAO, ACI World is positioned as a key partner in advancing initiatives that enhance safety, security, sustainability, and operational efficiency. The goal? To champion change and advocate for the future of airports worldwide.
A hands-on look at the airport ecosystem
To highlight the complexity and precision of airport operations, ACI World, in collaboration with Aéroports de Montréal, also hosted ICAO Council Members on a site visit to Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL). CEO Yves Beauchamp showcased the vision and operational realities of modern airports, reinforcing the critical role of cooperation and innovation in ensuring long-term success.
Driving global aviation forward
These meetings underscored ACI World’s commitment to partnering with ICAO on vital issues and by engaging directly with global decision-makers, ACI World is ensuring that airport priorities remain at the heart of international aviation policy.
As we near the ICAO`s 42nd Assembly this fall, collaboration between ACI World and ICAO remains instrumental in shaping a stronger, more sustainable future for airports and aviation worldwide.
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