New Leadership at ACI EUROPE: A Shift in Airport Management

Leadership Changes in European Airports

The European airports’ trade association, ACI EUROPE (Airports Council International), recently announced a significant leadership transition during its General Assembly at the 35th Annual Congress hosted by Athens International Airport. This assembly is a pivotal event for airport professionals across Europe, showcasing collaboration and innovation within the industry.

New Appointment: Dr. Stefan Schulte

During the gathering, Dr. Stefan Schulte, the CEO of a major airport operator, was elected as the President of ACI EUROPE. This position previously belonged to Armando Brunini, who served as the CEO of SEA Milan Airports. The transition in leadership highlights a commitment to strengthening the role of airports in Europe, particularly amid ongoing challenges.

Vision for European Airports

Following his election, Dr. Schulte emphasized the essential role airports play in the prosperity of the region. He stated, “A strong ACI EUROPE is key to ensuring airports can invest in infrastructure, compete on the global stage, innovate for customer safety, and achieve ambitious climate targets.” With this vision in mind, he aims to represent a diverse range of airports—be they large hub locations, bustling city airports, or smaller regional facilities. This inclusive approach reflects a growing understanding of the interconnectedness of airports throughout Europe.

Board Appointments and Strategic Focus

This year’s General Assembly also saw the appointment of new members to the ACI EUROPE Board. The following individuals will serve their first terms:

• Mr. David Ciceo, Managing Director, Cluj Avram Iancu International Airport (Romania)
• Mr. Enes Çakmak, Chairman of the Board & Director General of DHMI (Turkey)
• Ms. Alison FitzGerald, CEO of London City Airport (United Kingdom)
• Ms. Bettina Ganghofer, CEO of Salzburg Airport (Austria)
• Mr. Sharon Kedmi, Director General of Israel Airports Authority (Israel)
• Mr. Javier Marin, Executive Vice Chairman of AENA (Spain)
• Mr. Philippe Pascal, President of Groupe ADP (France)

In addition, some members have been reappointed for a second term, including:

• Mr. Abraham Foss, CEO of AVINOR (Norway)
• Mr. Yiannis Paraschis, Managing Director of Athens International Airport (Greece)
• Mr. Riivo Tuvike, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of Tallinn Airport (Estonia)

Strategic Priorities Moving Forward

As the newly appointed Board members take their places, they will focus on key issues such as operational resilience, infrastructural investment, and future-proofing capabilities for their respective airports. Gathering insights during the assembly will allow these leaders to establish a clear roadmap for enhancing air connectivity and meeting the increasing demands of air travel across the continent.

The Future of Air Travel in Europe

With rapidly changing market conditions and the pressing need for strategic agility, the leadership at ACI EUROPE acknowledges the signs of challenges, including policy shortcomings and shifts in market dynamics. This recognition is essential for adapting to and shaping the future of air travel in Europe.

Airports Council International Initiatives

Continued initiatives by ACI EUROPE are also paving the way for improved airport performance and the realization of net-zero roadmaps among over 300 European airports. The collective goal is to establish a robust network that prioritizes sustainable growth while catering to passenger demands. The general assembly reaffirmed the dedication to promoting innovation and operational excellence among European airports.

Conclusion: Personal Experiences Matter

In summary, the recent leadership changes at ACI EUROPE signify a critical moment for the future of airport management in Europe. With each new appointment, there is a renewed commitment to addressing the evolving challenges faced by airport operators. This is an exciting time for travel, as influential airport leaders work to ensure seamless and efficient experiences for passengers.

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