Routes and ACI World sign exclusive partnership to support industry in rebuilding air connectivity

An exclusive partnership designed to help airports recover from the most challenging period the aviation industry has ever faced has been signed by Routes and Airports Council International (ACI) World.

The formal agreement between the two organizations will provide platforms and guidance for airports at a world level, recognizing the vital role they will play in driving economic recovery in a post-pandemic era.

The coming together of Routes, the organizer of the world’s leading route development forums, and ACI World, the association that advances the interests and acts as the collective voice for the world’s airports respectively, demonstrates how the recovery of the aviation industry will have its foundation in collaboration.

ACI World estimates the airport industry will suffer a 60% reduction in revenues in 2020 as a result of COVID-19, amounting to a decline of more than US$100 billion. The complex challenge presented by the pandemic has therefore forced airports and airlines to be reactive, meaning that planning for summer 2021—what will be the industry’s most important season—will be critical for both the short- and long-term recovery.

The partnership forged at a global level between Routes and ACI World will support the world’s airports in planning for this season, ensuring they continue to provide the economic and social benefits to the local, national and global communities that they serve.

ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said: “The partnership we have forged with Routes will help move the industry forward down the path of recovery. Aviation is an interdependent and interconnected industry and partnerships like this will be crucial in supporting a globally-consistent recovery. We look forward to working with Routes during the recovery process and beyond in support of airports and the wider aviation ecosystem.”