SPECIAL REPORT: SUSTAINABILITY
Raymond Benjamin with ASQ award winners in Hainan. The airport industry counts on ICAO to take leadership not only
in the climate change debate, but also for noise and local air quality issues. In the lead up to the next UNFCCC global climate change conference in Cancún this December, ICAO is working on a clear statement of aviation targets to be approved by ICAO Assembly. In addition, major ICAO resources are assigned to continuing
work for the CAEP process, which covers a broad range of environmental improvements and where airports have been long-term contributors. Benjamin is a firm supporter of greater industry input and
involvement at ICAO. “In the environmental arena, collective action is productive in building agreement on targets such as the 2% reduction goal and universal application of equitable market measures,” he points out. “This process of debate has been an opportunity for industry and
civil aviation representatives to exchange views. The issue of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) has been raised. As we seek ways to allay fears of compromising national trade negotiation powers, we must consider how we will provide access to technology and adequate funding to keep a level playing field.” Sustainability for airports also encompasses robust airport
economics. ICAO has been a forum for debating charging and economic oversight and updating global guidelines. He notes: “The ICAO economics conference CEANS opened the way
for airports to express their positions clearly on this complex issue. The airline-airport debate around the degree of oversight has been a thorny issue at times, but that seems to be going better now. There is much variety in airport ownership and management structures and airport profitability. In some regions, administrations are lagging behind, whereas others are quite advanced. There is no one-size fits all answer,
48 AIRPORT WORLD/AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2010
and the CEANS process brought greater understanding of the airport business situation which is a step in the right direction.” What advice does Benjamin have for airports for raising their
profile at ICAO? “Panel participation is good, and both ACI and individual
airports are making contributions, but even greater direct airport involvement would be a positive,” he remarks. “For many years, airports did not express strong interest in
deepening the relationship with ICAO. They thought that with liberalisation, they could manage without strong government intervention, so they were not very motivated. In recent years, however, I have seen a change of attitude in the airport family. “ACI has built up the team in Montréal, but a stronger permanent representation would be beneficial. Your current ICAO Bureau director, Georgina Graham, is very active, and ACI director general, Angela Gittens, recently presented airport concerns to the Council about future adaptation needs in light of climate change. These interventions are well received, but need to be day-to-day, and not just occasionally, to build a stronger voice. “My advice is to maintain frequent relations with the
36 ICAO Council members and other permanent delegations in Montréal. Get involved in the regions as well, to explain airports’ needs and what airports want from ICAO in their regions. “Some of these ICAO contacts are diplomats, some come from
civil aviation and some even have military backgrounds. They need to understand the importance of airports in aviation industry. It is a relationship that needs to be cultivated. “What I can say, however, is that airports will see a positive
return on the investment they place in developing a closer relationships with ICAO.”
AW
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