ACI launches new guidance to strengthen airport commercial revenue

Airports Council International (ACI World) has launched a new series of guidance material dedicated to helping airports strengthen their non-aeronautical (commercial) revenue to improve the traveller experience and contribute to the recovery of the sector as travel begins to increase.

The first set of available guidance focuses on airport ground access and includes the Optimal Integration of Airport Ground Access Services Handbook, and the Sustainable Airport Ground Access Policy Paper.

Over the years, airports have become multimodal transportation hubs striving to meet the needs of a diverse group of travellers, who may have varying preferences when choosing how to get to and from an airport. Significant trends, such as the potential impact from COVID-19, increasing automation, and technological connectivity, and the decarbonisation of industries, are resulting in the quick evolution of passenger expectations.

In addition, the economic impact of the pandemic on the financial health of airports has highlighted the importance of non-aeronautical revenue in the recovery of the airport business and the long-term sustainability of the entire aviation ecosystem.

“As transportation options evolve and the preferences of customers change, airports must respond to meet the needs of their primary customers – both passengers and employees,” commented ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira. “This requires airports to improve operating procedures, offer enhanced technologies, and upgrade infrastructure – particularly as travel picks up with the easing of travel restrictions.

“This might include increased digitalisation, electric vehicle charging stations, the amount of available curb space, number of public parking spaces, need for remote parking lots, and the infrastructure required for bicycle access, for instance. When managed correctly, airports can enhance the customer experience and their revenue by effectively working with their service providers while striving to provide an exceptional customer experience.

“I encourage airports to leverage the Optimal Integration of Airport Ground Access Services Handbook, and the Sustainable Airport Ground Access Policy Paper, as well as the upcoming guidance in support of non-aeronautical activities and revenues, to improve the traveller experience and contribute to the sector’s recovery.”

The rest of the series will include the launch of timely guidance in the areas of concession agreements, duty free, digital transformation, and food and beverage.

The publications have been developed by ACI World’s new Sub-Committee on Airports’ Non-Aeronautical Revenues and Activities (ANARA), which is linked to the ACI World Economics Standing Committee, made up of experts from Member Airports and World Business Partners from around the world. The committee’s objective is to investigate, analyse, and formulate strategies, policy recommendations, industry positions, and guidance material on how best to improve, facilitate, and diversify the range of non-aeronautical revenue sources for the benefit of the air transport ecosystem.