Airports Council International (ACI) is the only global trade representative of the world’s airports. Established in 1991, ACI represents airports interests with Governments and international organizations such as ICAO, develops standards, policies and recommended practices for airports, and provides information and training opportunities to raise standards around the world. This section provides you with information on the structure and background of ACI.

Mission
ACI advances the collective interests of, and acts as the voice of the world’s airports and the communities they serve, and promotes professional excellence in airport management and operations.

Objectives and Roles

• Maximize the contributions of airports to maintaining and developing a safe, secure, environmentally compatible and efficient air transport system;
• Achieve cooperation among all segments of the aviation industry and their stakeholders as well as with governments and international organizations;
• Influence international and national legislation, rules, policies, standards and practices based on established policies representing airports’ interests and priorities;
• Advance the development of the aviation system by enhancing public awareness of the economic and social importance of airport development;
• Maximize cooperation and mutual assistance among airports;
• Provide members with industry knowledge, advice and assistance, and foster professional excellence in airport management and operations;
• Build ACI’s worldwide organizational capacity and resources to serve all members effectively and efficiently. 

Structure
As of January 2016, ACI serves 592 members operating 1,853 airports in 173 countries. ACI is a non-profit organization whose prime purpose is to advance the interests of airports and to promote professional excellence in airport management and operations. According to preliminary statistics, in 2015 airports worldwide welcomed 7.1 billion arriving and departing passengers and handled 105 million metric tonnes of cargo and 86 million aircraft movements.

ACI World is based in Montreal, Canada and there are five geographical regions. To pursue work with regional governmental and non-governmental organizations, they are supported by specialized committees and task forces.