As the sun sets over the mesmerising cityscape of Barcelona, it welcomes an exclusive delegation of global airport leaders for an unprecedented gathering. This ACI EUROPE/ACI WORLD “WAGA” event commenced yesterday. This pivotal conference, hosted by Spanish airport operator Aena, is more than an annual meeting – it’s the cornerstone event of the aviation industry calendar.

Spanish airport operator Aena, with its vast portfolio of 46 airports, two heliports, and international locations in the UK, Brazil and Mexico, has stepped into the spotlight as the event’s host. Aena’s post-pandemic resilience and commitment to innovation and digitisation in enhancing passenger experiences have set the stage for the following discussions.

Framed by the glittering Mediterranean, industry insiders, including C-suite executives, policymakers, regulators, and innovators, are converging on Barcelona to brainstorm the future of the aviation industry. The focus is clear: beyond rebuilding, the industry aims to embrace a wholly sustainable and digitalised future.

The event features a robust agenda, including a cutting-edge conference program hosting over 50 speakers from across the globe. Keynotes offering a “State of the Industry” perspective will launch the latest industry data and forecasts. Delving deep into the industry’s political and regulatory dynamics, the event tackles the sustainability challenge from operational, financial, and societal viewpoints. Furthermore, the ACI World-Amadeus Technology Innovation Awards and the ACI EUROPE Best Airport Awards will honour industry excellence.

Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Our airports’ reinvention is not futuristic – it’s happening here and now.” Jankovec highlighted ongoing industry-wide changes and partnerships, including their ground-breaking work with Airport Carbon Accreditation, vertiport operators and digital innovators, in shaping a sustainable aviation future.

Joining the conversation, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General of ACI World, emphasized that airports continue to lead the industry’s evolution from decarbonisation to revolutionising business intelligence solutions. “This event provides an opportunity to identify what airports, governments, and regulators should prioritise for a sustainable aviation ecosystem,” said Oliveira, anticipating a doubling of passengers in the next two decades.

Echoing this sentiment, Aena Executive Vice President Javier Marín acknowledged the industry’s resilience and commitment to environmental sustainability. Proud to host this event, Marín shared, “Aena’s recovery journey from the pandemic has been one of strength, and our commitment to delivering the highest standards of passenger experience, twinned with innovation and digitisation, will be the hallmarks of the future.”

As discussions unfold over the next two days, the industry stands on the precipice of a paradigm shift. It is determined to create a future that prioritises sustainable growth, digital integration, and passenger satisfaction. The eyes of the world remain fixed on Barcelona, where a blueprint for the future of aviation will emerge.

Written by: My Thanh Pham

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