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ACI World leadership refutes IATA DG Walsh's criticisms of airport expenditure
June 24th 2022
Airports Council International (ACI) World director general, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, said recent comments made by International Air Transport Association (IATA) director general, Willie Walsh, did not reflect current market and economic realities. Read More » At the airline lobby group's recently concluded annual general meeting, Walsh said airports were “addicted” to a “spend-big-and-cream-it-off-the-customer mentality”. In response, de Oliveira called on airlines, airports and ground handlers to continue to collaborate and cooperate to rebuild the sector post COVID-19. “From a policy perspective, and beyond the rhetoric, regulators ultimately must consider what is best for the consumer,” de Oliveira said. “It is important to emphasise airports invest not only in infrastructure that generates socio-economic benefits but in the passenger experience. What’s more, significant investment will be needed to transition to sustainable energy sources.” The global airport lobby group said airports worldwide lost US$65.5 billion in 2022.
