8 December 2014 (Chicago) – Airports Council International (ACI) World, along with representatives from the International Air Transportation Association, the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation, the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations and representatives from other aviation stakeholders and government agencies, took part today in an event celebrating the 70th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the signing of the Chicago Convention.
Speaking during the event, held at the Hilton Chicago (formerly the Stevens Hotel where the Convention was originally signed), Angela Gittens, Director General of ACI World, noted that the main tenets of the Chicago Convention are as relevant today as they were 70 years ago: "The industry has changed immensely since 1944, but values such as promoting 'cooperation between nations and peoples' and ensuring that the industry grows 'in a safe and orderly manner' are still rooted in all stakeholders' actions today."
Gittens further noted that despite widespread change in the aviation industry, ICAO has remained true to its initial core objective of aiding States in improving civil aviation in their countries even as it has grown in step with the industry.
"Airports, too, are evolving, with the transformation of business models, ownership and governance structures designed to produce the infrastructure and operations called for by our communities, our customers and our business partners," she said. "Each of them has interests and needs that continue to evolve and the airport must adapt to satisfy those interests and needs.
"ACI is proud of its engagement with ICAO over the years; we are well aligned in our activities to produce a safe, secure and sustainable civil air transportation system," Gittens concluded. "We commend you on your success in fostering the collaboration of the myriad sectors that make this system function and allow it to accommodate the worldwide growth in demand. As a result, civil aviation has become the safest form of transportation and has become a key enabler for socio-economic development in nations and communities everywhere. The airport sector is pleased and proud to be a member of your family."
