Airports Council International (ACI) World, together with ACI Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC), has introduced a new global framework aimed at helping the aviation industry effectively manage private-sector participation in airport development. The publication, titled Airport Development Concessions Agreements: Global Approaches and Guidelines for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), offers a step-by-step approach for governments, investors, lenders, and airport operators looking to establish sustainable and well-structured partnerships.
Private investment continues to play a growing role in the global airport landscape, with more than 850 airports across 90 countries currently involving some form of private participation. As of January 2025, 132 additional concession projects are reported to be in progress worldwide. The surge in airport development and modernisation has amplified the need for consistent, transparent guidance that balances public and private interests.
“Airports are vital to connectivity, trade, and social and economic development—and as demand grows, governments face real fiscal constraints to provide necessary, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure required to meet this demand. Well-structured public-private partnerships and concessions can mobilise investment, improve efficiency, and deliver world-class infrastructure, while safeguarding the public interest. ACI remains neutral on ownership choices; what matters is transparent governance, balanced risk allocation, and long-term value for passengers, airlines, and communities.”
– ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci.
“These guidelines are built on decades of experience across our region and beyond. They offer governments and investors a clear, practical framework to structure airport partnerships that are transparent, resilient, and focused on long-term value for passengers, communities, and economies.”
– ACI Latin America and the Caribbean Director General Dr Rafael Echevarne.
The guidelines offer an in-depth primer on the current state of airport concession activity and include practical tools for developing, negotiating, and managing airport development agreements. Key elements of the resource include:
- A detailed look at global trends and models in airport concessioning
- Frameworks for risk identification and allocation across financial, operational, and demand categories
- Sample clauses and templates to ensure fair and transparent partnerships
- Best practices in governance, oversight, and dispute resolution
- Case studies showcasing lessons learnt from projects around the world
- Recommendations for integrating sustainability and community benefits in airport development
ACI’s new resource aims to strengthen the resilience of the aviation sector by supporting smarter investment structures, greater transparency, and better long-term alignment among stakeholders.
The publication was formally launched during the 2025 ACI North America (ACI-NA) and ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition, held in Toronto. Hosted by Toronto Pearson International Airport, with support from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the event gathered more than 2,300 aviation leaders from around the world. The document was developed in collaboration with Mott MacDonald and Modalis Infrastructure Partners Inc.
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