ACI-LAC recognizes airports and young talents that implement innovative measures in the areas of environment and technology

The Airports Council International Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) celebrated this Monday afternoon (11), during the ACI-LAC 2024 Annual Assembly, Conference and Exhibition in Guadalajara, the commitment of the region’s airports to the development and implementation of innovative projects in two fundamental areas for the airport industry: decarbonization and the use of technology to improve the passenger experience.

Young Professional Award highlights the use of artificial intelligence

In its second edition, the Young Professional Award chose the project of Nathane Ana Rosa Negri, a civil engineer and airport planning specialist at Recife Airport, operated by Aena Brazil, as the best idea for applying AI to airport processes.

The project presented analyzes the impact of implementing artificial intelligence systems and digital twins on key performance indicators (KPIs).

“The developed solution uses artificial intelligence and digital twintechnology to optimize the user experience and key performance indicators at Recife International Airport. Through simulations and real-time data, it will be possible to predict operational failures, improve resource management and provide a more efficient and satisfactory environment for passengers. Receiving ACI-LAC’s recognition validates the positive impact of our work and reinforces our commitment to innovation in the airport sector,” said Nathane Negri.

The Young Professional Award was created to encourage young talent working at ACI-LAC member airports to share projects that can drive innovation in the airport industry. Over the past few months, candidates have submitted detailed studies of their ideas, outlining technological solutions to improve the passenger experience at airports. The projects were analyzed by a panel of judges composed of senior executives from the aviation industry. The award is supported by commercial partner (WBP) SITA, a reference in technology solutions for the airport market.

Green Airport Recognition 2024 highlights 21 initiatives in circular economy projects

The Green Airport Recognition aims to promote initiatives in airports in Latin America and the Caribbean in various areas of airport environmental management, such as waste management, energy efficiency, carbon emissions management, adaptation to climate change, among others. The initiative is coordinated by ACI-LAC’s Environment and Sustainability Committee.

In 2024, 21 circular economy projects that met the criteria established by ACI-LAC were recognized by Green Airport Recognition, and will be included in a best practices document. Three of them received special recognition.

Discover all the projects that received Green Airport Recognition 2024

Special recognition:

• OPAIN: Circular connection
• ECOGAL: Implementation of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) in runway repairs
• Concesionaria de Aeropuertos de la Amazonia: Circular economy of water resources at the Manaus airport.

Other recognized projects:

• Aeropuertos Argentina (Comodoro Rivadavia): Grey water recovery system.
• Aena Brasil: Water Efficiency at Juazeiro do Norte Airport
• Aena Brasil: Optimization of waste segregation at Congonhas Airport
• ASUR: Circular economy and sustainable processes at Cancun International Airport
• BH Airport: ETACs – Grey water treatment plants
• CCR Aeroportos: ETAC,s – Grey water treatment plants
• Cibao Airport: Support and solid waste segregation center
• Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico: Promotion and recycling of paper and cardboard at Morelia International Airport.
• Eastern Airports: Use of treated wastewater, Santa Marta Airport.
• Nuevo Padhuel: Integral management of organic waste.
• AERIS Costa Rica: Recovery of waste generated by LAG seizures at security checkpoints.
• Quiport: Decarbonization of waste.
• Zurich Airport Brazil: 400 Hz
• Zurich Airport Brazil: Waste diversion route.
• AEROSTAR: Rehabilitation of taxiway H
• Salvador Bahia Airport: Reuse of air conditioning condensate water
• Aruba Airport Authority: Gateway 2030 Expansion Project and BHS work
• AERODOM: Design and installation of Photovoltaic Park on terminal rooftop

Rafael Echevarne, CEO of ACI-LAC, highlighted the importance of initiatives that promote sustainability and increase the culture of innovation in the airport industry.

“Sustainability and passenger experience are essential pillars of the airport industry. ACI-LAC is committed, at a sector level, to the goal of achieving zero net carbon emissions by 2050, and the projects recognized by Green Airport Recognition are aligned with this goal. In relation to the passenger experience throughout their journey, we believe that the better it is, the more satisfied the passenger will be, the higher the non-aeronautical revenues will be and the stronger the image of airports will be. In this context, the Young Professional Award is a valuable opportunity for our members to gain competitive advantage by investing in professionals who create innovative solutions.”

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