Latin America and the Caribbean’s most important airport industry conference concludes with discussion on the future of airports

ACI-LAC Annual Assembly Conference & Exhibition 2024 concluded on Tuesday (12) with discussions on the future of airports. The panel that brought together airport CEOs from Latin America, North America and the Middle East discussed contemporary demands that are shaping the airport business models of the future, such as best practices in concession contracts.

Another topic discussed on Tuesday (12) was the optimization of airport infrastructure capacity with a focus on the best passenger experience, from the perspective of airlines, immigration authorities, technology experts and operational security.

The ACI-LAC Assembly, Conference and Exhibition also dedicated part of the day to the potential of regional airports, the prospects for airlines and the tourism sector from the development of regional aviation.

Sustainability, innovation and competitive environment

In a year in which the ACI-LAC conference had as its theme “Fundamentals for airport growth: sustainability, innovation and competitive environment”, during two days experts presented what is already being put into practice and trends to make passenger travel easier, with new technologies and processes used by airports, airlines and immigration authorities.

Also discussed were the investments being made by airports and their commercial partners in business models that generate non-aeronautical revenues, such as lounges and VIP terminals, as well as the diversification of commercial spaces and the implementation of concept stores.

Regarding the airport industry’s responses to the climate crisis, the ACI-LAC conference featured financing solutions for the “green transition” that industry players are undergoing and discussions on the challenges of implementing sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL).

Challenges and Opportunities for Regional Airports in the Caribbean

Regional airports are crucial to the social and economic development of their regions. Although they offer many benefits, they face financial and operational challenges. In a region such as the Caribbean, made up of 7,000 islands spread over 17 countries and territories, they guarantee fundamental air connectivity.

At the end of the academic agenda of the ACI-LAC Assembly, Conference and Exhibition, experts and industry leaders from the Caribbean presented, during the Caribbean Regional Airports Summit, studies with opportunities to expand air traffic in the region, from business planning solutions, infrastructure development and increased connectivity.

Speakers at the summit included Charles Schlumberger, an air transport specialist with the World Bank, as well as representatives from Caribbean airports, airport technology companies and consulting firms specializing in cargo transport and the environment.

“The opportunity that ACI-LAC creates at a conference such as this one for fundamental exchanges allows us to share experiences and best practices and to continue to develop the airport industry for the benefit of passengers and the communities where airports are located. ACI-LAC thanks all those who supported us and we look forward to seeing you again in Trinidad & Tobago next year,” said Rafael Echevarne, Director General of ACI-LAC.

The two-day Assembly and Conference of Airports Council International Latin America and the Caribbean 2024 brought together some 400 participants at Expo Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Mexico, including leading industry executives, government and airport authorities and experts in aviation, technology, environment, accessibility, management and finance.

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