CAM Executive Director Mr. Kan Cheok Kuan Attended the 35th ACI Asia-Pacific Regional Board Meeting and the 18th ACI Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition

The 35th Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific Regional Board Meeting and the 18th ACI Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition were held respectively on 16th May 2023 and 17th to 18th May 2023 in Kobe, Japan.

Aviation business leaders from across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region attended the meeting to provide strategic guidance for ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East in its advocacy efforts, programmes and activities within the region.

Mr. Kan Cheok Kuan, Executive Director of Macau International Airport Company Limited (CAM) represented CAM to attend the above meetings as the Regional Board Director of the Association. In the Board Meeting, the council affairs, the minutes of the last Regional Board Meeting were passed, while Board members have approved the financial report, and discussed the assessment of strategic plan 2020-2023, new strategic plans for 2023-2026 of the Association, as well as strategic advocacy on market trends in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region and the study on Airport Connectivity. The preliminary findings of ACI Asia-Pacific study on airport connectivity conducted by PwC were also shared on the board meeting. It is worth noting that in the post COVID period, airfares have increased substantially which allows airlines to post great profit in the first quarter of 2023, whilst airports are lagged behind.

Photo of Executive Director of CAM - Mr. Kan Cheok Kuan and President of ACI Asia-Pacific - Mr. Emmanuel Menanteau (Right)

The 18th ACI Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition was hosted by Kansai Airports Group on the following day, which was the first full-scale event after the epidemic and gathering numerous airport members, airlines representatives and exhibitors from all over the world. The theme of the Assembly was “Asia Pacific and Middle East Take-off: From Recovery to Global Leadership”. On the occasions, participants had in-depth discussions and exchanges on many issues such as air re-connectivity, net-zero carbon emissions, green airports, etc. The resolution has also been made to promote, restore and develop air connectivity in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East region. In the post-epidemic era, the aviation industry has entered a period of comprehensive recovery, which is correlated to restore and further develop air connectivity on business-oriented in the region, helping on airport revenue increase and sustainable development of business. In addition, the Association suggested that the airport operators should conduct proper planning for the discussed issues whilst supports from governments and related parties are encouraged to promote relevant initiatives.

Executive Director of CAM - Mr. Kan Cheok Kuan and Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific - Mr. Stefano Baronci (Left)

At the same time, environmental protection is the foundation for the social development in next generations. Mr. Kan believes that as a member of ACI, CAM should consider how to play its role in this macro situation. Additionally, CAM has to fulfill the calls of net-zero in aviation industry and pay close attention to support environmental protection whilst developing its business in the years to come. 

ACI Asia-Pacific Board members held meetings in Kobe, Japan