Airports are an invaluable asset for the communities they serve, helping them to develop their full economic potential and ensure stable growth, bolstering long-term business development and employment. As stewards of this community resource, airport operators need an organisation that can help them add value to their business.

In 1991 airport operators around the world created Airports Council International - the first worldwide association to represent their common interests and foster cooperation with partners throughout the air transport industry. Through ACI, the airport community now speaks with a single voice on key issues and concerns and, despite regional diversity, can move forward as a united industry.

ACI pursues airports interests in discussions with international organisations. The most important relationship is with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), where international standards for air transport are debated and developed. ACI defends airports positions and develops standards and recommended practices in the areas of safety, security and environment initiatives. It also advances and protects airport interests in important policy changes on airport charges and regulation, strengthening the hand of airports in dealing with airlines.

At the same time, ACI provides the platform for pursuing a constructive and cooperative relationship with the airline associations, governments and regulators. On critical industry issues - liberalisation, ownership, capacity planning, regulatory restrictions, and environmental action - ACI defends airports views and strengthens their ability to shape the future of our industry, backing up individual airport actions.

ACI offers its members numerous training opportunities, a customer service benchmarking programme, detailed industry statistical analyses and practical publications.