European, North American Airports Urge Further Progress in Liberalization, Security

(Boston, Sept. 21, 2008) -- During a Sept. 20 joint board of directors meeting of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) and ACI EUROPE, U.S., Canadian and European airport executives called for negotiators in U.S.- European Union (EU) and Canadian-EU aviation talks to move forward on full liberalized transatlantic regime, including relaxing remaining restrictions on airline ownership and control.

Additional flexibility would provide greater opportunities for airlines in the U.S., Canada and Europe to obtain access to capital to the ultimate benefit of consumers.  This is particularly important because of the difficult economic environment in which the air transportation sector is operating.

“We were very encouraged by the success of the first round of negotiations, which created new economic opportunities for both sides.  We look forward to continued progress on reducing barriers which will facilitate trade and travel,” said Randall H. Walker, Director of Aviation, Clark County Department of Aviation, McCarran International Airport and Chair, ACI-NA.

“Phase two” US-EU negotiations will take place on September 24-25 in Washington, D.C.; a third round of Canada-EU negotiations was just completed.

“Air service is a critical link in the international trade and tourism value chain.  Canada needs a comprehensive Open Skies agreement with the EU.  The significance is highlighted by the fact that our respective leaders will discuss liberalizing trade next month in Quebec City,” said Barry Rempel, Chair of the Canadian Airports Council and President and CEO, Winnipeg Airports Authority.

Canadian and European airports also urged regulators to work towards mutual recognition in aviation security screening, equipment and procedures. This is critical to develop procedures to resolve limitations on the transport of duty-free, liquids, aerosols and gels.

According to ACI Europe President Dr. Yiannis Paraschis, Chief Executive Officer, Athens International Airport Greece, “Aviation security standards in the EU and the U.S. are among the highest in the world.  Yet, we are still waiting for a one-stop security regime, including fully compatible solutions to avoid confiscation at EU and European airports of duty-free liquid items purchased prior to or after a transatlantic flight. The lack of recognition of equivalent security standards creates confusion and frustration among passengers, to the detriment of air travel.”

The EU will meet with the Transportation Security Administration in Washington, D.C., later this month.

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About ACI-EUROPE:

ACI EUROPE represents some 440 airports in 45 European countries.  Member airports handle 90 percent of commercial air traffic in Europe, welcoming nearly 1.5 billion passengers each year.

About ACI-NA:

The mission of Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) is to advocate policies and provide services that strengthen the ability of air carrier airports to serve their passengers, customers and communities.  ACI-NA represents local, regional and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the United States and Canada.  ACI-NA member airports enplane more than 95 percent of the domestic and virtually all the international airline passenger and cargo traffic in North America.  Nearly 400 aviation-related businesses are also members of the association, which is the largest of the five worldwide regions of Airports Council International.