A new bi-monthly ACI EUROPE e-newsletter exclusively for members – called Taxi Lights – was recently launched and this will allow World Business Partners to be kept abreast of the latest information on European policy affecting them, as well as a full listing of committee meetings and events.
Since the beginning of the year, 27 new members have joined ACI EUROPE’s chapter of the WBP programme bringing the total to 146, but naturally, we are aiming for higher numbers in 2011. Many new activities and tools were launched this year and more are planned for 2011.
In terms of tools, the membership database has been updated and the members’ directory will be printed and sent to members by the beginning of January 2011. A new marketing strategy was launched with a special focus on members’ recruitment and establishment of the WBP brand in social media.
The focus of the WBP programme is two-fold: Knowledge and industry expertise sharing via professional publications, newsletters, regular updates, airport traffic and passenger reports, and through networking and professional gatherings throughout the year. Photo: Fraport AG
A new bi-monthly ACI EUROPE e-newsletter exclusively for members – called Taxi Lights – was recently launched and this will allow WBPs to be kept abreast of the latest information on European policy affecting them, as well as a full listing of committee meetings and events. An entirely new ACI EUROPE website – to be launched in early 2011 – will also give the WBP programme more visibility and afford WBP members improved access to the work of ACI EUROPE.
With regards to activities, the usual bi-annual WBP meetings took place in 2010: One in Milan in June during our Annual Assembly, Congress and Exhibition, and the other one in Istanbul in October during the annual Airport Exchange conference, which for the first time was jointly sponsored between ACI EUROPE and ACI Asia Pacific giving WBPs a unique opportunity to network with industry experts from two of the larger ACI regions. Members had a great opportunity to meet the WBP management team from ACI EUROPE at both events, ask questions, and brainstorm on the future development of the WBP programme. The new initiative of inviting airport representatives to the WBP meeting in Istanbul was welcomed by all members and made networking and discussions very lively. We aim to repeat this experience next year.
ACI EUROPE would particularly like to thank Catherine Mayer, SITA Vice-President for Airport Services and Chair of the WBP Advisory Board for her dedication and energy in the role this past year. At the moment a call of interest and election has been launched to all World Business Partners to occupy the vacant post of ACI EUROPE representative in WBPAB (World Business Partners Advisory Board) for the term 1 January 2011 - 31 Dec 2013.
By the request of our members, a special WBP sub-group has been created within the ACI EUROPE group in LinkedIn. It is an internet-based social networking platform which facilitates communication with and between members during and after the events, as well as the opportunity to discuss important issues in the forum.
ACI EUROPE would particularly like to thank Catherine Mayer, SITA Vice-President for Airport Services and Chair of the WBP Advisory Board for her dedication and energy in the role this past year. At the moment a call of interest and election has been launched to all World Business Partners to occupy the vacant post of ACI EUROPE representative in WBPAB (World Business Partners Advisory Board) for the term 1 January 2011 – 31 Dec 2013. The results of the elections will be communicated to members in January.
ACI EUROPE encourages WBPs from all regions, but particularly the European one, to remain involved and share your thoughts with us so we can continue to enhance the programme.
Please contact Yulia Plyusnina (Yulia.Plyusnina@aci-europe.org) for information on the WBP Programme.
About the World Business Partner Programme
ACI is the only worldwide professional association of airport operators. However, membership is equally open both for airport operators as well as for airports’ suppliers and business consultants.
The World Business Partner (WBP) programme was designed in 1993 to meet the specific needs of commercial enterprises with links to aviation. It was a pilot project responding to the business’ demand for networking and knowledge sharing in the air transport industry. Its immediate success prompted the gradual evolution of the programme and it was decided to develop it into a permanent service.
The goal of the WBP programme is to maximise business connections, to create awareness in the airport community about new technologies, products and services available.
Members of the World Business Partner programme enjoy the same benefits as regular airport members of ACI EUROPE, with the exception of full-voting rights in the Board of ACI EUROPE (however, a WBP Observer is nominated to the Board). At the moment there are 186 regular members (427 airports and heliports) and 146 WBP + 4 affiliates.
The focus of the WBP programme is two-fold: Knowledge and industry expertise sharing via professional publications, newsletters, regular updates, airport traffic and passenger reports, and through networking and professional gatherings throughout the year. It is an excellent opportunity to interact with the airport industry decision makers, establish contacts, and help to influence aviation policies.
Geographical distribution of members
The majority (88%) of WBP affiliated to ACI EUROPE, are from the 27 EU Member States. It is planned to increase the amount of non-EU members by involving Russian speaking countries as well as offering affiliate memberships to WBP members in other regions. The majority of our WBPs currently come from the UK, Germany and France.
ACI EUROPE’s plans include growing WBP’s participation at all ACI EUROPE events, expanding programme benefits, and providing more opportunities to network with all members.
Membership Level
ACI EUROPE offers two membership levels: Silver and Gold. The main membership benefits are – promotion of the company in the newsletter, online directory, Airport Business magazine, ACI EUROPE publications, bi-monthly members newsletter, monthly European statistics and annual worldwide traffic report, conference delegate discounts, sponsorship and networking opportunities.
All members are welcome to join the ACI EUROPE Commercial Forum and Regional Airports’ Forum – two working groups discussing non-aeronautical revenues and regional airports issues respectively.In addition to all listed above, Gold membership allows nomination of a representative to 5 of the 6 ACI EUROPE committees – think tanks where the issues challenging airports are discussed in more detail and according to the topics: safety, security, environment, economics, and facilitation & customer service.
The Programme also offers special discounts for companies that have fewer than 10 full time employees involved in the airport industry.
ACI EUROPE’s plans include growing WBP’s participation at all ACI EUROPE events, expanding programme benefits, and providing more opportunities to network with all members.
