SITA renews support for development programme for airport managers

ACI World and ICAO today announce SITA’s renewed and long-standing support of the leading training and leadership programme for airport executives, the Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program (AMPAP).

Since its launch in 2007, AMPAP has become the globally recognised and respected curriculum for career development and excellence for airport executives, benefitting over 1,200 participants to date.

The programme covers all functional areas of the airport business and latest industry standards, helping practitioners meet the current and emerging challenges they face for the benefit of the travelling public and the communities aviation serves.

Drew Griffiths, head of SITA at Airports, said: “With SITA present at more than 1,000 airports globally, we are a key member of this global community.

“Through the AMPAP programme we will support ACI and ICAO in expanding the reach of the programme through the use of new digital technologies while nurturing a new generation of airport leaders. It is also key to strengthening SITA’s ability to better serve the industry.”

Luis Felipe de Oliveira, director general of ACI World, said: “Investing in the training and up-skilling of airport managers is crucial to aviation’s short- and long-term sustainability—particularly as we continue to build and retain its workforce.

“The airport industry is continuously evolving and so too must our knowledge. Our renewed longstanding partnership with SITA reflects the ongoing relevancy of the programme and the important role of technology in improving airport operations and streamlining the passenger journey.

“We are grateful to SITA for this partnership which allows us to pool our expertise and enhance the AMPAP experience for the world’s airport management professionals.”

Jorge Varga, ICAO’s Technical Cooperation Bureau (TCB) director and AMPAP team leader, added: “Many of the industry’s common objectives for modernised airports infrastructure and enhanced passenger facilitation will have important implications for the next generation of airport leaders.

“This very critical modernisation process speaks to why updating and improving the skills and knowledge of airport managers in the coming decades will be so essential, both to long-term air transport adaptability and sustainability.

“SITA’s partnership and support of AMPAP has ensured a commitment towards quality and excellency of the programme. I look forward to continue building on this important collaboration, aimed to enhance airport management globally.”

AMPAP graduates earn the International Airport Professional (IAP) Designation or AMPAP Associate diploma award, recognising an individual’s excellence in airport management and proficiency in applying ACI best practices and ICAO standards and recommended practices (SARPs).