Although meetings and networking had been going on for a couple of days, the Airports Council International-North America 2014 Annual Conference & Exhibition in Atlanta opened in full force Monday with a welcoming address, a keynote speech and several breakout sessions on topics ranging from building coalitions and dealing with pilot shortages to environmental sustainability and parking strategies.
At an opening event, ACI-NA’s new president and CEO, Kevin Burke, told attendees he was excited to be working on the challenges facing the industry and noted that success will require greater involvement from membership.
“I am going to challenge you to assume even more leadership in your association as we strive to achieve the goals you have set for us in 2015 and beyond,” he said.
Burke talked about how ACI had been working to find non-traditional industry partners to help argue on Capitol Hill that Congress should raise the cap on passenger facility fees to $8.50. He also discussed dozens of visits he’s been making around the country to airports and how the main concern he’s been hearing from directors relates to air service levels in light of airline industry consolidation in both the U.S. and Canada.
“Maintaining and developing relationships with airline partners is an essential function for everyone in this room,” he said. “But rapid consolidation across the airline industry has presented significant challenges for airports of every size and every location.”
Burke said he’s still learning and meeting the industry’s leaders but also expressed appreciation to the ACI-NA board for selecting him for the position.
After Burke spoke, Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer Price-winning reporter for the New York Times and author of “The Power of Habit,” talked to attendees about the importance of empowering employees by providing them with rewards that actually incentivize desired behaviors.
ACI-NA also unveiled Monday the results of its most recent economic impact study. “The Economic Impact of Commercial Airports in 2013” report indicates that airports of all shapes and sizes contribute more than $1 trillion in annual output across the U.S. affecting not just aviation but several other industries, Burke said. The study examined 485 commercial airports and found that they support a total of 9.5 million jobs and contribute to a total payroll of $356 billion.
“Our study also makes it clear that airports have proved to be a linchpin for economic growth and stability for many America communities in recent years,” he said.
At a pre-conference event Sunday night, the organization also honored Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) as the first airport in North America to achieve certification within the newly announced Airport Carbon Accreditation program.
The program follows up on the global industry’s commitment seven years ago to reduce carbon emissions. European airports launched a similar program that has achieved significant results, according to ACI-NA officials. The program assesses and recognizes airports efforts to manage and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, certifying them at four levels: mapping, reduction, optimization and neutrality.
In the past year, 107 airports in Europe, Africa and the Asia-Pacific have received Airport Carbon Accredited status. Several airports and airport operating groups in North America have committed to becoming early adopters of the Airport Carbon Accreditation, including Aeroports de Montreal, which operates two airports in Montreal; Denver International (DEN); San Francisco International (SFO) and Portland International (PDX).
The organization also unveiled the first group of North American Airport trading cards featuring the most recognizable images from some of the busiest airports in the world. The trading card campaign is a project of ACI-NA’s marketing and communications committee. The cards are free and they feature a photo along with facts, figures and historical information unique to each airport. There are 17 airports committed to the initial launch.
