(HONG KONG, 20 June 2018) - Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) today announced that it will be the host airport for the 2019 Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific/ World Annual General Assembly, Conference & Exhibition (WAGA). Expected to attract more than 1,000 airport and industry leaders from around the world, the two prominent international and regional assemblies will take place from 2-4 April 2019.
The event will mark the first time Hong Kong will host such a high-profile gathering of global aviation leaders. They will vote on key decisions, discuss important issues and assess future prospects. The assembly meetings, to be held at AsiaWorld-Expo near the airport, will also include exhibitions and conferences for aviation professionals to network, exchange insights and receive updates on the latest industry trends.
A handover ceremony was held in Brussels during 2018 ACI EUROPE/ WAGA on 19 June, where HKIA was announced as the host airport of 2019 ACI WAGA. Fred Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, remarked, “It is a great honour to host this prestigious event in our hometown. HKIA is one of the world’s busiest airports and an international aviation hub. I believe through sharing, exchange and collaboration between different airports, we can enhance the overall operations and services of all airport operators. The event will also showcase Hong Kong to a global audience. We are working hard on our preparations to ensure that the delegates have a wonderful time during their stay in Hong Kong.”
“The world’s airports and industry leaders have accomplished much in a short time in Brussels this week,” said Angela Gittens, Director General, ACI World. “Looking to 2019, we continue our work with members and stakeholders to build a safe, secure and sustainable aviation future. We look forward to working with our 2019 host, HKIA, a world-class hub airport, ranking in the top 10 busiest airports, as we build on the successes of this year’s conference.”
ACI is an industry association representing the collective interests of the world’s 1,953 airport members and promoting excellence in airport management. ACI WAGA is the annual conference for ACI members worldwide and rotates among the five ACI regions. ACI Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly Conference & Exhibition (APAA) is one of the most influential annual airport conferences in Asia Pacific. It has earlier been announced at 2018 ACI APAA in Tokyo that HKIA will be the host for 2019 ACI APAA.