Angela Gittens, director general of ACI World, has delivered a keynote address at the 27th ACI Africa/World Annual General Assembly, Regional Conference and Exhibition, calling on aviation regulators and airports in Africa to realistically assess challenges and implement aviation-related safety and security actions and initiatives.
Running until October 19 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, under the theme ‘Challenges of Safety & Security in African Airports, Issues and Perspectives,’ the conference convenes regional and global leaders from airports, industry, government officials and regulators to discuss the current situation of African airports with regards to safety and security, while exploring innovative solutions and addressing the upcoming challenges of aviation in the region.
The event includes informative sessions addressing the current trends in innovations and technologies, as well as sessions exploring emerging issues and challenges with regards to cyber threats, security and facilitation, aeronautical information and airport safety.
“We are undoubtedly at a very dynamic time and entering into a decisive period in the world,” said Gittens. “Airports have become businesses in their own right and have to excel in a full range of activities.
“Yet, we are ever mindful that safety and security are our top priorities and we demonstrate that every day through our APEX missions, training, our work with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and our guidance material.
“As the second-largest and second-most populous continent, boasting over 1.2 billion inhabitants, Africa is expected to become a vital participant in the global economy. In 2017, the continent was home to some of the fastest-growing economies on the planet and its growth rate has been trending upward in recent months. African airports are encouraged to urgently adopt risk-based safety and security concepts, advanced technologies, and process innovation.”
ACI is committed to support ongoing dialog among airports, aviation authorities and industry on strategic and operational safety and security policy issues. Through both its Aviation Security and the Safety & Technical Standing committees, ACI will continue to provide advice with the necessary tools to enhance safety and security at airports.
