Airport charges will continue to be a flashpoint in the volatile airport-airline relationship, with 40% of the worlds most expensive airports now located in Asia and the Middle East. The warning comes as the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation reveals the final programme for its Airport Development 2006 conference in Singapore on 29 August to 1 September 2006, featuring the leading names in the global airports sector.

From beginning to end, the programme for Airport Development 2006 is packed with the worlds best speakers on issues vital to the future of airports in emerging markets. I urge all airports preparing for the future to review the speaker list and be present at this inaugural airport event for the Asia/Middle East/Eastern Europe emerging markets. Not only is it a tremendous networking opportunity, but insights gained will be invaluable, said the Centres Executive Chairman, Peter Harbison.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) confirmed (30-Jun-06) plans to study the UK airports market with a view to establishing whether the current market structure works well for consumers. Trying to find a balance between competition and regulation of infrastructure development is a key issue today for the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Dr. Harry Bush, the Group Economic Regulator of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, will share this experience in-depth at Airport Development 2006.

Other highlights include a review of future airport deals in the emerging markets pipeline featuring a panel including Hochtief Airport Director Aviation, Dimitrios Gatsonis. Other key international speakers include Fraports Frank Thiessen, Aroports de Paris Jacques Follain, Abu Dhabi Airports Waleed Youssef, CAACs Houxiang Ren and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhads Dato’ Seri Bashir Ahmad.

Airport Development 2006 is organised by the Centre with key partners, including Airports Council International (ACI), supported by Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO).
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