Cancun, Mexico, 24 Nov (ONA) — In a new Omani achievement added to the leadership of Oman’s civil aviation sector in the region and in recognition of Oman’s position in the international map, the 64th annual meeting of the General Assembly of the Airports Council International (ACI), held here from 21 to 24 November 2021, unanimously voted Sheikh Ayman Ahmed Al Hosni, CEO of Oman Airports, as President of the ACI Board in its new round (January 2022 till December 2024).

Al Hosni succeeded incumbent President of the Council, Martin Urenician, CEO of Corporation America Airports.

The achievement caps Al Hosni’s efforts across the boards of directors of the Airports Council International in Asia and Pacific Ocean while he was the vice-president of the Board since 2018.

It highlights the great potentials of Oman Airports and the tremendous development of Sultanate of Oman’s aviation sector before, during or after overcoming the direct impacts of COVID-19 pandemic.

This specialized global consensus confirms that the Presidency of Al Hosni of the ACI constitutes a new global recognition for Oman and its regional and international prestige.

The CEO of Oman Airports served on the Board of Directors of the Asia-Pacific Airports Regional Board in 2016 before being selected shortly in 2016 as a member of the Global Board of Directors of Airports. Then, he was recommended as Vice-president of the Board of Directors of the ACI in 2018 in a period considered one of the most difficult times on the world’s airports during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement on the occasion, Sheikh Ayman Ahmed Al Hosni said, “I am pleased and honored to begin my new assignment while our dear country Oman celebrates the 51st National Day.

This responsibility comes as an extension of the role of the Sultanate of Oman in supporting the Council through its active membership in the past years. Today, I look forward to working with members of the Council in promoting cooperation between airports, international aviation organizations, and our various partners in finding innovative ways to enhance efficiency in the airports and aviation sector.”

Al Hosni valued the great confidence entrusted to him by Oman’s government, represented by the Oman Investment Authority, is a motive to constantly enhance the active presence of Oman’s airports in the ACI and to continue consolidating Oman’s position and great role in the civil aviation sector regionally and globally.

On the other hand, Luis Philippe de Oliveira, General International Director of the Airports Council International ACI, welcomed Sheikh Ayman Ahmed Al Hosni, President and Candice McGraw as Vice President of the new round of the Council.

The ACI was established in 1991 to perform supervisory and coordinating functions in aspects of security, energy, safety, technology, and the environment for this vital economic sector in the world. The Council is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, while its regional councils are based in Asia and the Pacific, North, and South America, Africa, and Europe. The Board aims to promote airports and enhance professional excellence in airport management and operation. It strengthens cooperation between airports, international aviation organizations, and business partners. The council has 701 members and operates more than 1933 airports in 183 countries around the globe.

— Ends/AB/KH