SITA strengthens support for AMPAP to enhance airport leadership and training

Airports Council International (ACI) World has announced that SITA has renewed and enhanced its long-standing commitment to the ACI-International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Airport Management Professional Accreditation Programme (AMPAP), a leading training and leadership initiative for airport executives.

SITA’s expanded support will enable ACI and ICAO to offer additional training over the next three years, providing collaborative solutions to airport leaders. This initiative will be vital in cultivating a skilled and sustainable aviation workforce, addressing the sector’s evolving demands, and ensuring its long-term success in a rapidly changing environment.

Justin Erbacci, Director General of ACI World said: “SITA’s continued support of the sector’s leading training and leadership program underscores the ongoing importance of AMPAP to the global airport community and the critical role of technology in improving airport operations and streamlining the passenger journey. AMPAP is essential to aviation’s future and SITA’s strengthened partnership will allow us to deliver more courses in the years ahead. By continuously building and refining the skill sets of airport managers, we are equipping ourselves to navigate a dynamic and ever-evolving industry.”

AMPAP is the premier executive development programme for airport managers globally, promoting adherence to the highest professional standards. It covers all aspects of airport operations, incorporates ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), international regulations, and ACI best practices. The programme aims to enhance airport efficiency, drive innovation and sustainability, and integrate emerging technologies such as advanced air mobility systems.

Details of the programme

More than 1,300 students have graduated from AMPAP since the program’s inception in 2007, including close to 50 new graduates in 2024, celebrated at the AMPAP Graduation Ceremony that took place at the ACI World Customer Experience Summit and Exhibition, in Atlanta in September 2024. Many AMPAP graduates go on to top leadership positions at their airports and organisations.

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

Upcoming training sessions in early 2025 will be held in Turks and Caicos, Abu Dhabi, Lagos, Perth, Santo Domingo (Spanish), to be followed by locations in Europe and Canada. Other mandatory courses will be offered at least four times each.