Cork Airport is hosting the Airports Council International (ACI) Regional Airports Conference and Exhibition this week. Two hundred delegates from global airlines and airports will be attending the conference tomorrow (Tuesday, May 16) and Wednesday, May 17 at Fota Island Resort. 

This year marks the tenth year of the ACI EUROPE conference and exhibition, which is dedicated to growth and development of regional airports. The conference is an opportunity for regional airports to exchange knowledge, share best practice and discuss issues of common interest.

Over the two-day ACI EUROPE conference, delegates will hear from over 30 speakers from the global aviation sector who will discuss the main issues and opportunities affecting the industry including transatlantic services and engagement amongst regional tourism stakeholders. Attendees will also have the chance to engage with over 80 companies from the industry exhibiting at the event. 

Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director, Cork Airport said: “We are delighted and proud to host this very important conference in Cork. Not only is it a fantastic opportunity for delegates, exhibitors and speakers alike to engage and share their views on the future of the industry, it is also a chance for us to showcase the region to a global audience. We have a packed schedule over the coming days for the delegates and I’m very much looking forward to building long-standing relationships with the view of growing our business at Cork Airport. We have had some great success at previous ACI conferences in terms of securing new routes and attracting airlines to the region and I believe this year will be no different”.

The official opening of ACI EUROPE conference takes place this evening at a special welcome reception at Jameson Distillery, Midleton. Delegates will also sample the best of local food at a gala dinner at Castlemartyr Resort tomorrow night. 

MacCarthy added: “We have been carefully planning for the ACI RACE event over the last few months to ensure the delegates leave with an unforgettable impression that Cork and the South of Ireland is a place that they want to see again and do business here”.

The membership of the ACI covers 450 airports in 45 countries across Europe.