European airport sustainability experts in Bologna
Bologna Airport hosted the 72nd meeting of the ACI EUROPE Environmental Strategy Committee, one of the main international events dedicated to environmental sustainability in the airport sector. The meeting was attended by over 80 delegates and experts from European airports, gathered to discuss the environmental and climate challenges affecting the future of air transport.
Organized by ACI EUROPE, an association representing over 600 airports in 55 countries, and hosted by Bologna Airport (BLQ), the meeting aims to share best practices, develop common strategies and accelerate the transition to an increasingly sustainable airport system. The appointment takes place every six months and represents a moment of technical and strategic work for airports, institutions and stakeholders in the aviation sector.
During the two days, central issues for the sector were addressed, from the decarbonisation of airports to the progress of the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, from noise management to European policies related to the Fit for 55 package, up to regulatory developments on sustainable aviation fuels. Ample space was also dedicated to green finance, sustainable investment models, circular economy, climate change adaptation, infrastructure resilience, new energy technologies and low-emission aircraft.
The meeting confirmed the role of ACI EUROPE as a platform for environmental coordination and innovation for the European airport system, encouraging discussion on operational solutions, mitigation technologies and strategies to make airports more resilient to the impacts of climate change. An increasingly relevant issue for a sector that, in Europe alone, is worth 5% of GDP.
During the works, the participants were also able to visit Bologna, discovering the cultural, artistic and gastronomic offer of the city. An opportunity to strengthen the dialogue between airports and territories, focusing on a vision of development in which connectivity, innovation and sustainability become increasingly integrated elements in the airport experience.
