ACI World, a division of Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, is today (November 30) celebrating the Airport Excellence’s (Apex) 200th review, at Bahrain International Airport, thus marking a historic milestone in the program’s mission of raising aviation standards globally.

 

Since 2011, the ACI World Apex programme has provided comprehensive onsite airport reviews led by industry peers and experts to optimise airport operations, regulatory compliance, and aviation standards worldwide. 

 

Apex is based on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, international regulations, and ACI best practices and offers reviews on four priority areas: security, cybersecurity, safety, and environment.

 

During the five-day review from November 26 to 30, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) and ACI World also signed a Declaration of Commitment and Collaboration, solidifying their shared dedication to promoting excellence in airport operations.

 

Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General of ACI World, expressed enthusiasm about reaching this milestone and celebrating it at Bahrain International Airport.

 

"The 200th Apex review is a testament to the programme's relevancy, success and impact on raising aviation standards worldwide," remarked de Oliveira. 

 

"We are honoured to celebrate this achievement at Bahrain International Airport, a leading airport known for its commitment to raising the bar in all areas of airport operations. Our flagship programme will without a doubt continue to be instrumental in fostering excellence in airport security, cybersecurity, safety, and sustainability around the world," he stated. 

 

"We thank every Apex Assessor—aviation professionals that help conduct reviews, mentor team members, and share knowledge and industry best practices to improve the sector," he added.

 

Bahrain Airport Company CEO Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah said: "We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Airport Council International (ACI) World through the Apex programme, which will provide us with invaluable insights and recommendations to enhance our security, cybersecurity, safety, and environmental practices."

 

"BAC partnered with ACI World for an Apex review in 2017 to enhance our Aerodrome Safety and Airside operations practices, and today this collaboration aims to optimize our operations and incorporate International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practices, driving continuous improvement in our overall airport performance," noted Binflah. 

 

"At Bahrain Airport Company, we remain committed to providing a world-class airport experience for our passengers and stakeholders, and this milestone not only reinforces our position as a leading airport in the region but also inspires us to continually raise the bar and set new benchmarks in the aviation industry," he added. 

 

In October, ACI World launched the newest addition to the programme - Apex in Cybersecurity. The review serves as a starting point for assessing cybersecurity practices at airports and is designed to assist airports in undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of their cybersecurity landscape.