Airports Council International - Latin America and Caribbean - ACI LAC

What Airports Council International - Latin America and Caribbean - ACI LAC does

Airports Council International - Latin America and Caribbean (ACI-LAC) is the regional arm of Airports Council International (ACI World) representing airports across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Panama City, Panama, the non-profit trade association operates with a small staff of 13 employees and serves as the unified voice of airports in policy consultation with ICAO, IATA, and national civil aviation authorities across 30+ countries. Its membership base comprises airport operators and authorities, World Business Partners (WBPs) supplying airport products and services, and government aviation authorities.

ACI-LAC's core offering is a portfolio of programs, accreditation schemes, training services, and industry events rather than a unified technology product. Programs include Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA), Airport Service Quality (ASQ), Airport Excellence (APEX), Green Airport Recognition, Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation, Public Health & Safety Readiness Accreditation, and Smart Security. The association publishes consolidated regional traffic data (440.4 million passengers, 4.9 million metric tonnes of cargo, 3.46 million aircraft movements across the top 20 LAC airports in 2025) and delivers training through ACI Global Training, an ILAC strategic training partnership, and the ACI Online Learning Center. The flagship Annual Assembly Conference & Exhibition (held in Trinidad & Tobago in October 2025 with 350+ delegates) is the association's premier networking, exhibition, and sponsorship platform.

The business model rests on recurring membership dues from airports and WBPs, event and exhibition revenue (booth rentals ranging USD 4,900-15,000 plus USD 400 standard electrical fee), tiered sponsorship packages (USD 1,900-11,000 across named sponsorships), and professional services income from training and certification programs. Director General Rafael Echevarne leads the organization, with governance provided by a Board composed of regional airport executives. ACI-LAC is governed as a member-driven association under ACI World and reports no equity, funding rounds, or external investment.

Name

Airports Council International - Latin America and Caribbean - ACI LAC

Legal name

Airports Council International - Latin America and Caribbean (ACI-LAC)

Website

https://aci-lac.aero

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ACI-LAC is the regional non-profit trade association for airports in Latin America and the Caribbean, operating under ACI World to deliver accreditation programs, training, industry advocacy, and the annual Assembly Conference across 30+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Industry Association Services

NAICS

International Affairs (92812)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPADANAB

Technical Committees, Working Groups & Expert Panels

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/International Standards, Policy & Regulatory Cooperation

SECONDARYEDADACAG

International/Transnational Accreditation & Recognition Bodies

Education/Education Administration, Accreditation & Policy/Accreditation Bodies (Institutional & Programmatic)

Keywords

• Airport industry association
• Airport accreditation programs
• Aviation industry advocacy
• Airport training services
• Airport membership organization

Headquarters

HQ city

Panama City

HQ country

Panama

HQ region

Latin America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Airport Membership Dues: Airports in Latin America and the Caribbean pay membership dues to join ACI-LAC and access advocacy, standards, training, and networking programs.
2. World Business Partner (WBP) Membership: Business partners pay to join the WBP program, gaining access to airport decision-makers, sponsorship and exhibition opportunities at annual conferences, and visibility with the regional airport community.
3. Annual Assembly Conference & Exhibition: Revenue generated through event registration fees, booth rentals (single and double booths), and booth sponsorship packages for airport and supplier delegates attending the annual conference.
4. Sponsorship Packages: Tiered sponsorship tiers covering networking lunches, sessions, gala dinners, exhibition areas, and promotional placements at annual conferences and events.
5. Training and Certification Programs: ACI-LAC delivers or facilitates training programs (through ACI Global Training and ILAC partnership) including certification courses, online learning center access, and OJT programs for airport personnel.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ACI-LAC is the regional trade association for airports in Latin America and the Caribbean, operating as an arm of ACI World. It delivers accreditation and recognition programs (Airport Carbon Accreditation, ASQ, APEX, Green Airport Recognition, Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation), professional training, advocacy with ICAO and governments, and its flagship Annual Assembly Conference & Exhibition. Revenue is generated through airport and World Business Partner membership dues, conference booth rentals, sponsorship packages, and training program fees.

Product overview

ACI-LAC is a regional airport industry association representing airports in Latin America and the Caribbean. It operates as a portfolio of programs, services, and initiatives rather than a unified technology product. The core offerings include accreditation and recognition programs (Green Airport Recognition, Airport Carbon Accreditation, Airport Service Quality, APEX, Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation, Public Health & Safety Readiness Accreditation), professional development (Young Airport Professional Award, Training programs), industry events (Annual Assembly Conference & Exhibition), and membership services (Airport Members, World Business Partners). These programs collectively support airports in raising standards, promoting professional excellence, and fostering collaboration across the region's aviation industry.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Airport Membership Programme Membership program that enables airport operators and authorities across Latin America and the Caribbean to join ACI-LAC and access advocacy, standards, training, accreditation, and networking programs.
• World Business Partners (WBP) Programme Membership program connecting business partners (technology providers, ground handlers, retail operators, consultants, financial partners) with LAC airport members, providing visibility, networking, exhibition, and sponsorship opportunities.
• Annual Assembly, Conference & Exhibition Flagship annual event gathering 350+ senior airport executives, government officials, aviation regulators, and industry suppliers across Latin America and the Caribbean for strategic discussions on aviation industry evolution.
• ACI-LAC Green Airport Recognition Recognition program that highlights and recognizes the best environmental practices of airports to minimize the impact of aviation on the environment.
• Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) The only global carbon management standard for airports, helping airports measure, reduce, and offset their carbon emissions.
• Airport Service Quality (ASQ) World's leading passenger experience rating program that helps airports measure and improve customer satisfaction.
• Airport Excellence (APEX) Based on ICAO standards, this program supports airports in raising safety, AVSEC, and environmental compliance levels.
• Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) Program supporting airports in establishing a continuous improvement strategy in accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
• Smart Security ACI-led program that aims to improve passenger and cabin baggage screening at airports worldwide through risk-based security concepts, advanced screening technologies, and process innovation.
• Public Health & Safety Readiness Accreditation Accreditation program for airports to demonstrate their readiness and capabilities in public health and safety protocols.
• ACI-LAC Training Programs Training programs and capacity development initiatives delivered through the ACI Online Learning Center (OLC), ACI Global Training, and ILAC partnership for airport professionals in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Traffic Reports Monthly and annual traffic reports providing consolidated data on passenger traffic, air cargo volumes, and aircraft movements for airports in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Quantifiable outcome

• In 2025, the top 20 airports in the LAC region handled 440.4 million passengers (55.4% of total regional traffic), representing 5.0% growth year-over-year.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Airport DimensionscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 July 2026Airport Dimensions joined ACI-LAC as a World Business Partner in July 2026. The company brings over 20 years of expertise in designing and operating airport experiences including VIP lounges, rest and entertainment concepts, and digital solutions. The partnership aims to strengthen airport competitiveness across LAC through innovation and enhanced passenger experience.
• Expedia Group AdvertisingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 June 2026Expedia Group Advertising joined ACI-LAC as a World Business Partner in June 2026. The travel media network brings expertise in travel media, data-driven insights, and traveler engagement, creating new opportunities to strengthen connections between airports, destinations, and key stakeholders across the travel ecosystem.
• Retail ServicesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 16 June 2026Retail Services joined ACI-LAC as a business partner in June 2026. The company specializes in developing and managing airport gastronomic and commercial concepts in Peru and Brazil, delivering over 3.4 million annual services. The partnership reinforces collaboration in airport experience, gastronomy, and travel retail.
• Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority (AASPA)coreOthers · 9 June 2026AASPA, operator of Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA), joined ACI-LAC as a new airport member in June 2026. The airport recorded 53%+ cumulative traffic growth between 2023–2025 and inaugurated a new terminal in December 2025. The membership strengthens ACI-LAC's representation in the Caribbean.
• ILAC (Instituto Latinoamericano de Aviación Civil)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 June 2026ILAC joined ACI-LAC in June 2026 as a strategic training partner. ILAC offers over 500 specialized aviation courses and has trained 10,000+ students from 30+ countries. The partnership enhances specialized training, human talent development, and operational excellence across the regional airport industry.
• Aruba Airport Authority N.V. (AAA)coreOthers · 1 June 2026AAA signed a strategic MOU with Royal Schiphol Group and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to strengthen air connectivity, innovation, digital infrastructure, and travel facilitation between Aruba, Europe, and international markets. This partnership supports pre-clearance opportunities and European connectivity for the Caribbean.
• NACO (Netherlands Airport Consultants)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2026NACO, a World Business Partner of ACI-LAC, collaborated with ACI-LAC to publish a pioneering study on air connectivity in the Caribbean. NACO provides strategic aviation advisory services including airport planning, regulation, policy, and governance consulting.
• airsightminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 March 2026airsight joined ACI-LAC as a World Business Partner in March 2026. The company provides technical expertise in airport safety, operations, and solar/photovoltaic system implementation. The partnership reinforces safety and operational collaboration at airports across the region.
• ACI WorldcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACI-LAC is the regional arm of Airports Council International (ACI World), the global trade association representing airports. ACI World provides global programs (ACA, ASQ, APEX, Smart Security, Accessibility), policy advocacy at ICAO, and the annual World Airport Traffic Dataset that informs ACI-LAC's regional traffic reporting.
• ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACI-LAC works closely with ICAO on standard-setting and policy development. The association's technical committees address ICAO Annex compliance in facilitation, security, safety, and environmental matters. ICAO NACC (North American, Central American and Caribbean Office) Director participates in ACI-LAC events.
• IATA (International Air Transport Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIATA's Regional Vice President for the Americas participates in ACI-LAC events and panels. Both organizations collaborate on shared objectives including aviation safety, facilitation, sustainability, and economic development of aviation in the LAC region.
• TAV TechnologiesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTAV Technologies is a sponsor of the ACI-LAC 2025 Board Lunch at the annual conference. The company provides airport technology solutions and supports ACI-LAC events.
• Collins AerospaceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollins Aerospace sponsored the ACI-LAC 2025 Board Meeting. The company is a major aerospace and avionics technology provider serving airports globally.
• AVOLTA (formerly HMSHost)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAVOLTA (formerly HMSHost) sponsored the ACI-LAC 2025 Board + Airport Directors Dinner. AVOLTA is a global leader in food service and retail at airports.
• SITAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSITA is a sponsor of the ACI-LAC 2025 conference, including the Opening Press Conference, Smart Borders panel, Caribbean Leaders panel, and Air Connectivity panels. SITA is a leading airport IT and technology solutions provider.
• RG MediaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRG Media is a Caribbean-based airport advertising concessionaire and consultancy and a sponsor of the Airport Welcome Signage at ACI-LAC 2025. It is the largest airport concessionaire in the Caribbean, serving 20+ airports.
• Arconas CorporationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerArconas Corporation sponsored the WBP Breakfast and CEOs Panel at ACI-LAC 2025. Arconas provides airport seating, passenger experience, and infrastructure solutions.
• DFS AviationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDFS Aviation sponsored the Best Practices in Airport Concession Contracts panel at ACI-LAC 2025. DFS provides air navigation and airport solutions.
• MERA CorporationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMERA Corporation is the Prime Sponsor of the Monday Networking Lunch at ACI-LAC 2025. MERA provides aviation technology and solutions.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• International Air Transport Association (IATA): Global airline trade association that interacts directly with ACI-LAC at industry events and on shared policy issues (safety, facilitation, sustainability). Represents the airline side of the aviation ecosystem rather than airports, making it an adjacent/partner rather than direct competitor.
• NACO (Netherlands Airport Consultants): Strategic aviation consultancy and ACI-LAC WBP that published the Caribbean air connectivity study with ACI-LAC. A service provider/partner in ACI-LAC's ecosystem rather than a peer, but a meaningful comparable in airport advisory services.
• CANSO (Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation): Global association for air navigation service providers (ANSPs) and airspace users. Operates adjacent to ACI-LAC in the aviation ecosystem, collaborating on shared airspace, sustainability, and safety initiatives but representing ANSPs rather than airports.
• Latin American Air Transport Association (ALTA): Regional airline association for Latin America and the Caribbean. Works alongside ACI-LAC on shared industry objectives in LAC aviation, but represents airlines rather than airports — an ecosystem counterpart rather than a peer.
• International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): UN specialized agency that sets international aviation standards and is the principal regulatory counterpart ACI-LAC engages with. Not a peer organization (it's a UN agency) but the most important institutional stakeholder for ACI-LAC's advocacy mission.

Direct peers

• ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East: Sister ACI regional association covering Asia-Pacific and Middle East airports. Runs the same portfolio of advocacy, accreditation programs, and annual Assembly conferences, serving a similarly diverse set of geographies and airport maturity levels.
• ACI Africa: Sister ACI regional association representing African airports. Closely comparable in scope (regional airport association), mission (advocacy, training, accreditation), and likely scale (small staff, emerging market focus), though smaller than ACI-LAC.
• ACI Europe: Direct sister regional association under ACI World serving European airports. Operates the same membership, advocacy, accreditation (ACA, ASQ, APEX), and conference model across a larger and more mature airport market — the most structurally comparable organization to ACI-LAC.
• American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE): U.S.-based professional association for airport executives, offering training, accreditation, advocacy, and conferences comparable to ACI-LAC's portfolio. Direct peer in mission and offerings but serving the North American airport market rather than LAC.

Broad incumbents

• Airports Council International (ACI World): The global parent federation that ACI-LAC operates under. ACI World runs the global accreditation programs (ACA, ASQ, APEX, Smart Security) that ACI-LAC delivers regionally, and represents airports at ICAO globally — a broader incumbent relationship than a pure peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ACI_LAC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/airports-council-international-latin-america-and-caribbean

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Airports Council International - Latin America and Caribbean - ACI LAC