Left: ACI World director general Angela Gittens (right) and ICAO secretary general, Dr Fang Liu, signing an MoU to enhance cooperation on airport security
Airports Council International (ACI) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will reinforce the agencies’ cooperation on airport security.
Under the MoU, ACI and the UN aviation agency will work more closely toward the objectives of ACI’s Airport Excellence (APEX) in Security program, including working together to deliver security reviews, technical assistance, programs for airport personnel training and the enhancement of regional partnerships.
“This new agreement establishes a framework for cooperation which will help to improve airport security worldwide,” explained ICAO’s secretary general, Dr Fang Liu. “ICAO very much appreciates ACI’s proactive leadership on all aspects of effective airport operation, and by improving our cooperation we can better ensure that international airports remain suitably secure and efficient, and have the necessary tools for driving increased economic development and global connectivity.”
The APEX in Security program is designed to help airports identify and address security vulnerabilities through a peer review process that offers advice on best practices and identification of areas for improvement. The ultimate aim of the program is to promote more secure airport operations worldwide.
“I would like to thank Dr Liu and ICAO for their unwavering support of APEX,” said ACI World director general, Angela Gittens. “ACI and ICAO are fully aligned in our belief that a sustainable, successful aviation industry is built upon a foundation of safety and security. With this signing we lay the groundwork to further strengthen that foundation.”