AIA CEO, Yiannis Paraschis, elected Chairman of Airports Council International
On November 1st, 2011 in Marrakesh, the ACI annual general assembly of the world’s airport executives elected by a unanimous vote Dr. Yiannis Paraschis, CEO of Athens International Airport, as its new Chair for a two-year term.
ACI World, the “voice” of the world’s airports, has 580 members representing over 1,650 airports in 179 countries, collectively handling more than 96% of world commercial traffic, having welcomed more than 5 billion passengers in 2010. ACI World has 5 geographical regions, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and Caribbean, North America.
Dr. Yiannis Paraschis, Vice Chairman of ACI World since 2009 – and former Chairman of ACI Europe for two successive terms (2007 – 2009) - Dr. Paraschis is succeeding the Chairman of Sydney Airport Corporation Limited, Mr. Max Moore-Wilton. Frederick Piccolo, President and CEO of the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority was elected Vice-Chair. Both Dr. Paraschis and Mr. Piccolo will begin their two-year leadership terms in January of 2012.
ACI World Director General, Angela Gittens, said on his election: “We are delighted that Yiannis Paraschis is undertaking the position of ACI World Chairman. From his former post of Vice Chairman, he has contributed significantly in addressing important strategic and operational issues that have been challenging airports internationally”.
On his election, Yiannis Paraschis said: “I am very honoured to assume the position of ACI World Chairman, in these critical times for the industry, but also for my country. During the economic crisis and the international instability we are experiencing, it is critical for “the voice” of airports to be more unified and strong at a global level. I hope that my experience will be of service in areas such as safety, sustainable development, and especially economics and the environment, which are of growing importance in our discussions with both IATA and ICAO”.