ACI World appoints new Chair and Vice Chair

October 23, 2017: Airports Council International's (ACI) chair Declan Collier, chief executive officer (CEO), London City Airports, turned over the chair position of the ACI World Governing Board to Bongani Maseko, CEO and executive director, Airports Company South Africa Limited. Martin Eurnekian, CEO, Corporación América was also appointed as vice-chair. The official election took place during the 27th ACI World Annual General Assembly in Port Louis, Mauritius recently. Their roles will become effective as of 1 January 2018.

"I would like to personally thank Declan Collier for his long service to ACI," said Angela Gittens, director general, ACI World, "previously as a board member and chair in ACI Europe, and for the last ten years on the world governing board. Collier has been unstinting with his time and keen insight and we are fortunate to have had his guidance."

"As ACI World's new chair, Bongani Maseko will bring broad industry expertise and particularly a deep understanding of the challenges African airports face," continued Angela Gittens. "We look forward to his leadership in developing key recommendations to ensure the sustainability of the industry worldwide for years to come."

"It is an honour to take on the role of chair for ACI World," said Bongani Maseko. "The confidence that the ACI Assembly has placed in me speaks to the role of African airports in ensuring that they are competing with the best in the world in terms of best practice on airport development, management and operations. Aviation in Africa is slowly becoming a strong contributor to global economic growth as the tourism industry grows. The next 20 years will see the most growth in passenger numbers coming from Africa," he said.

Bongani Maseko joined Airports Company South Africa in 1999 and was formally appointed as CEO in May 2013. Prior to his role in airport operations, he also spent three-and-half-years leading OR Tambo International Airport as general manager.

Meanwhile welcoming Martin Eurnekian as ACI World's new vice-chair, Gittens said, "He has been an active member of ACI Latin America-Caribbean for more than 10 years and President since 2016. In those years he has closely engaged with international organizations, including the International Civil Air Organization, in order to improve the sector's safety, security and efficiency and his insights will serve the world's airports aptly."

"ACI is committed to continuing to advocate for airports so that sound operational and economic policies are promoted and embraced by all aviation stakeholders to facilitate the sustainable growth of the air transport system throughout the world," said Martin Eurnekian. "I thank the ACI Assembly for its vote of confidence to be part of the new leadership for the next two years."

Martin Eurnekian has more than 15 years or experience in aviation. He managed several concession processes, as well as directed passenger and cargo terminal design and construction projects, including Galapagos Airport. He has also managed several airlines, including LAPA and Southernwinds in Argentina, and Volare in Italy.

Photo Caption: At the 27th Annual ACI Africa/World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition