This month, Fraport Greece, which is the operator for 14 of Greece’s regional airports, including Chania’s Daskalogiannis Airport, is hosting the 14th ACI EUROPE Regional Airports Conference & Exhibition, RACE 2023. Held for the first time in Greece this year, this annual meeting of European regional airport operators will take place in Kolymbari on 25-27th April.
More than 150 regional airport executives from all over Europe will be able to meet and exchange views, thoughts and best practices on issues related to the aviation market. They will also have the opportunity to take part in a range of thematic sessions which will include the development of inter-airport connections, innovation, the staffing of teams with an eye to diversity and inclusion, the processes and the need for a transition to a “green” and digital airport, etc.
The ACI EUROPE RACE conference is the only event in the aviation industry devoted to Europe’s regional hubs and smaller airports. It is held annually under the auspices of the Airports Council International (ACI), which represents more than 500 airports in 55 countries across Europe. Between them the participating airports cover more than 90 per cent of commercial air traffic in Europe.
Commenting on the conference, the CEO of Fraport Greece, Alexander Zinell, said: “We are delighted to welcome the 14th ACI EUROPE RACE 2023 to Greece… We are thrilled that the industry is recovering and the desire of passengers to travel remains unabated. However, airports, especially regional airports, face multiple challenges above and beyond the rapid growth in passenger numbers. As the company that has made one of the largest ever investments in Greece, we are committed to making this year’s meeting as special as the host city”.
ACI EUROPE’s Director General Olivier Jankovec said: “”As we gather in Chania for the 14th ACI EUROPE Regional Airports Conference & Exhibition, our discussions will be guided by a content-rich agenda reflecting the vital role that regional airports play in fostering regional connectivity in Europe. They are our industry’s first line of climate action and decarbonisation, and provide vital services to Europe’s communities, including insular and remote territories.”
Mr Jankovec extended his thanks to Fraport Greece for hosting the conference, adding: “Their commitment to the aviation industry and to the development of regional airports is truly commendable, and we are honoured to be able to gather in such a beautiful location thanks to their efforts”.
The conference will be held at the Avra Imperial Hotel in Kolymbari, where delegates can book accommodation, while transport will be provided by Fraport Greece from Chania International Airport to the hotel. A Gala Evening will take place on Wednesday 26th April at the Megalo Arsenali in the old port in Chania. Prior to the dinner, attendees will be taken on a guided walking tour of the old port.