Airport Authority Cook Islands yesterday welcomed key international officials here for the inaugural ‘Airport Day’ workshop which gets underway today.

The “Airport Day” is a new initiative launched by the Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East, with the objective to assist airport members in the Pacific Islands to enhance their capacity on various topics of interest to them.

The two-day Airport Day workshop, which starts today at The Edgewater Resort, is hosted by Airport Authority of Cook Islands (AACI).

Taoro Brown, chairman of Airport Authority Cook Islands, board directors, and staff yesterday welcomed Stefano Baronci, director general of Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East, and his team to Rarotonga.

Brown expressed that they are looking forward to the dialogue, presentations on key developments and challenges for Pacific Islands, and engaging in productive discussions on issues that are of priority to the Pacific Islands airports.

Baronci expressed his delight and privilege in being present at the event.

“This is the opportunity to reconnect with this part of the globe which is very important,” he said. “We want to discuss very important related issues in terms of connectivity, environment, in terms of security and safety.”

Airport Day will have in attendance 29 international delegates, including Baronci, and locally will be supported by 36 personnel from AACI, Ministry of Transport, Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), and related industries.

It will serve as a valuable tool for airports seeking to expand their knowledge on airport-related matters, foster better communication with national and local governments, and engage with the communities in their respective areas of influence.

Airport Day will also provide a platform for airports to come together and exchange insights, best practices, and experiences. The event will feature a series of engaging workshops focusing on key areas such as route development, airport security and facilitation, and environmental sustainability. Through this concept, participants will gain valuable knowledge and insights from experts. This knowledge will enable them to make informed decisions and improve operational efficiency.

The Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East serves as the voice of 132 airport members, operating 623 airports across 47 countries/territories in Asia-Pacific and Middle East. The council is headquartered in Hong Kong and has a Middle East office in Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia).

Appointed in December 2019, Baronci is responsible for leading the implementation of the association’s strategic agenda while also leading a team of dedicated professionals based at the regional office headquarters in Hong Kong and the Middle East office located in Riyadh.