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Post Summit Update
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The 6th Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly Conference and Exhibition was held in New Delhi between April 5 and 8. A report
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By Gp Capt Devinder C Mehta, Advisor (MR), AAI
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It was an ideal opportunity for AAI to host the 6th ACI-Asia Pacific Regional Assembly, Conference on Aviation Business Strategies at New Delhi and showcase its achievements and the recent developments in up-gradation of both airport infrastructure and ATM /CNS systems inclusive of GAGAN, the pride of the country for we are the 4th in the world to have such a system in place.
The welcome ceremony started with the lighting of lamp prior to the commencement of any auspicious occasion. Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad Abdul Majid, President, ACI Asia-Pacific and Managing Director, Malaysia Airports Holdings, Berhad addressed the congregation. Thereafter, Dr. Nasim Zaidi, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, the Chief Guest of the evening, addressed the gathering and welcomed the invitees, delegates, sponsors, world business partners from aviation industry to Delhi—the city of ‘Large Hearted People’.
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In addition, we were also able to give an opportunity to the stake-holders of aviation worldwide to get a glimpse and first hand information of T-3 at Delhi Airport which has been constructed by GMR our JV Partner, thus adding a ‘jewel’ to our assets at Delhi Airport.
6th ACI Asia- Pacific Regional Assembly, Conference, created a history, for it had dignitaries and participants from 34 countries and numbered 526 in total, including participants from Indian airports. Shri V.P.
Agrawal, Chairman, AAI led the team consisting of Mr. S.C.
Chhatwal, Member (Fin.), Mr. Sudhir Raheja, Member (Planning), Mr. Gyaneshwar Singh,
IPS, GM (Security) who actively participated and shared their views on various aspects of aviation management, ranging from the Ever Changing Rules of the Game with respect to Airport Financing, Airport Security and Business Environment of the Future.
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WHAT THEY SAID
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“Thank you for all your support. Unprecedented hospitality”
—Yiannis Paraschis
CEO Athens International Airport
“Thank you very much for all your hospitality during the past week. All the organization from the arrival up to the departure was excellent and flawless, while the Gala dinner was really the highlight. It has been a long time since I have attended such a nice event, perfectly balanced, fun, delicious food, and great environment. Really raises the bar”
—George Karamanos
VP Corporate Marketing & Communications /
Abu Dhabi International Airport
“Outstanding job in planning, preparing, organizing and orchestrating the activities at the 6th Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly in New Delhi that will make this conference one of the most memorable and enjoyable of all conferences”
—Mr. Ben Lao
Airport Consulting, Texas
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Shri V.P. Agrawal being the member of the World Governing Body of ACI contributed immensely in the various forums held by the World Governing Body.
The Exhibition, which was concurrently being run alongside the actual Conference was a boon to the participants as they got first hand information on the ever changing technology related to the aviation industry. This boosted the record of attendance and a total of 39 exhibitors from around the world displayed their latest innovations in aviation governance. This helped participants to gain vast insights and widening of their horizons.
We also put up a stall in which the information of the latest world-class airports built by AAI along with a glimpse of GAGAN was highlighted. Since the Exhibition and Conference was jointly hosted by AAI and
GMR, in the true spirit of camaraderie GMR shared the booth with AAI, thus, aptly depicting ‘true’ Indian airports.
As it is said, “no trip to India is complete without seeing the Taj Mahal at Agra,” an ‘Epitome of Love’ by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan for his beloved wife
Mumtaz. Courtesy Mr. V.P. Agrawal, Chairman, AAI, who in true Indian traditions of hospitality i.e.“Athithi Devo
Bhava” took initiative to arrange an aircraft for the trip. It was indeed very kind and magnanimous of Shri Vijay
Mallya, Chairman, Kingfisher Airline to accept the suggestion of Shri V.P. Agrawal to position a Special Flight to Agra and back for the delegates as a goodwill gesture in honour of the delegates.
The much anticipated T3 tour was conducted on April, 8th, 2011. 25 registered delegates from airports in Australia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Hong Kong, Korea and Japan came to visit T3. The tour covered the international departures area and the domestic departure and arrivals. There was a short networking break courtesy Plaza Premium Lounge where delegates enjoyed complimentary snacks and free massages. This moment also gave them a chance to interact and network with their fellow delegates. And as always, the “wow” factor was standing under the iconic mudras in the arrivals area. Everyone wanted to know what the different hand symbols meant!
Well, it was not ‘Kingdom of Dream’, but in the true sense a ‘Dream Come True’ for the delegates and other participants. A gala function was arranged in honour of the winners of ASQ Awards 2010. The delegates confessed that it was something out of the world and one could not have asked for a better ‘Grand Finale’. The delegates also got a glimpse of the true and rich cultural heritage of India in the wonderful ambience of Cultural Gully, wherein, all sorts of cuisines were at their disposal so as to enjoy and relish the same. The dinner was aptly followed by ASQ Awards which was at par with any Awards be it Oscar / Bollywood for it had dance, music, magic and last but not the least the ‘Spectacular Fireworks’.
It would only be apt to place on record our appreciation and gratitude to
GMR, the co-host, Foundation the co-ordinating agency, the Steering Committee, the Core Group who not only toiled but also, burnt mid night oil to ensure all arrangements and execution was ‘Par
Exellence’.
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June 2011
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