Category: WBP

Fireside Chat Recap: ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci on the Future of Global Airports

Posted on | by ScottElmore

At the International Aviation Club’s latest luncheon in Washington, D.C., Kevin Burke, President and CEO of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), sat down for a fireside chat with Justin Erbacci, Director General of ACI World. The discussion touched on the evolving role of ACI World, the biggest challenges facing airports today, and what the industry must do to remain competitive in an increasingly globalized and technology-driven aviation landscape.

ACI World’s Expanding Role on the Global Stage

Since taking the helm of ACI World in September 2024, Erbacci has prioritized strengthening advocacy, enhancing global collaboration, and driving innovation in airport operations. As the voice of the world’s airports before international bodies like ICAO and IATA, ACI World is preparing for the upcoming ICAO Triennial Assembly in September 2025, where key policies affecting airport sustainability, safety, and capacity will be debated.

Addressing Safety and Security in a Changing Threat Landscape

With recent security incidents making headlines, Erbacci emphasized that safety and security remain the foundation of global aviation. He highlighted ACI World’s APEX safety and security programs, which provide peer-driven assessments and best practices to help airports maintain the highest operational standards. While aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation, continuous investment in technology, training, and regulatory alignment is essential to address evolving threats.

Capacity Optimization

Airports are facing capacity constraints. ACI’s latest projections indicate that global passenger traffic will reach 17.7 billion by 2043, nearly doubling by 2053. To accommodate this growth, airports must expand infrastructure while adopting more sustainable operations.

U.S. Airports and the Global Competitive Landscape

With five of the world’s ten busiest airports located in the United States, American aviation remains a dominant force. However, China is set to surpass the U.S. in total passenger traffic by 2053, signaling a shift in global aviation dynamics.

To stay competitive, U.S. airports must prioritize infrastructure investment, innovative financing models, and non-aeronautical revenue opportunities, such as enhanced retail and hospitality experiences. As Erbacci noted, airports must evolve beyond being simple transit hubs and become destination experiences in their own right.

Managing Growth Through Smarter Slot Allocation and Technology

With rising passenger demand and growing slot constraints, airports need better tools to optimize capacity and improve efficiency. ACI World is advocating for modernizing the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG) to align with today’s market needs while investing in automation, AI-driven traffic management, and workforce development to streamline operations.

The Next Generation of the Passenger Experience

Finally, Erbacci highlighted the growing expectations of travelers for seamless, stress-free, and personalized airport experiences. ACI’s recent ASQ Global Traveller Survey found that passengers are increasingly looking for automated processes, premium service offerings, and sustainability-focused travel options. As airports continue to innovate with biometric screening, AI-powered personalization, and eco-conscious design, the future of air travel will be shaped by the industry’s ability to meet these evolving demands.

Looking Ahead

With ACI World leading the charge on global policy, sustainability, and operational excellence, airports must embrace innovation and collaboration to navigate the challenges ahead. Whether through capacity expansion, sustainability initiatives, or enhanced passenger experiences, the conversation made clear that the next decade will be transformative for the aviation industry.

 

Airport advertising – what airport operators can do to make the most of a valuable commercial opportunity

Posted on | by MollyBabitz

By Leslie Bensen, Founder and CEO, Departure Media

In the current economic climate, non-aeronautical revenues are more important to airports than ever before and one of the most important lines on the non-aeronautical balance sheet is advertising. There is much airports can do to maximize this useful revenue stream.

Firstly, there’s the issue of infrastructure. When it comes to terminal design, many airport concession partners, be they food and beverage operators, retailers or carpark providers, will maintain that it’s important that they are involved at a very early stage of any development project, to ensure as much commercial success as possible. This is equally the case for advertising concession businesses, who will be happy to help identify and explore any potential ways things can be done to boost success. In newbuilds, it’s helpful to consider how advertising structures can be placed at an early stage. For example, glass walls, which can be architecturally spectacular, are popular in new designs. Looking to solutions such as ceiling mounted displays and other innovative alternatives can ensure that advertising opportunities are maximized in such constructions, where wall space that is traditionally used to display advertising might be limited.

Secondly, new digital technologies can offer a wealth of options for creating commercial messages that are as eye-catching and engaging as possible, capturing imaginations in a media-saturated world. Advertising concessionaires offer a plethora of technologies that will help their advertisers get the best from their investment. They will be able to propose a broad spectrum of new options that are in tune with the expectations and aspirations of today’s digital-savvy traveler, and that will enable airport advertisers to really move the dial when it comes to creating a lasting impression.

There are considerable gains to be made by thinking about how to use advertising in airports intelligently. With careful planning, airport advertising can play a role in enhancing the overall passenger experience. It can also prompt a real up-tick in profitability.

Leslie Bensen is founder and CEO of Departure Media Airport Advertising, the largest out of home (OOH) advertising company in the US that focuses exclusively on airports. With more than 36 years’ experience, Leslie leads her team in creating advertising display programs that improve passenger experience and complement terminal aesthetics. Leslie can be contacted at lcbensen@departure-media.com.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER

This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without appropriate professional advice.