KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 17): Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) managing director Datuk Badlisham Ghazali has been appointed as a director on Airport Council International’s (ACI) World Governing Board.

In a statement today, MAHB said Badlisham, who has been a director of ACI’s Regional Asia-Pacific Board since 2016, joined other leaders of ACI at its World Governing Board meeting held on Oct 14 this year in Port Louis, Mauritius.

ACI is the only global airport organisation that provides a platform for member organisations to address, as well as advance the collective interests of about 2,000 airports worldwide.

“It is a privilege and honour to represent Malaysia and the Asia Pacific Region in the world body. Malaysia has a lot to learn from the global airport community and as one of the world’s largest airport operators, we have a lot to share with others as well,” Badlisham said.

MAHB said Badlisham is currently attending the General Assembly held in conjunction with the 27th ACI Africa/World Annual General Assembly, Conference & Exhibition from Oct 16 to Oct 18, 2017.

Critical issues such as airport charges, slot management, baggage tracking, environment, safety and technology, were discussed during the board's deliberations.

MAHB said the ACI’s World Governing Board had also deliberated upon its new three-year Strategic Plan (2018-2020), which was approved during the same meeting.

“Additionally, the board had also addressed strategic projects to be initiated that will further represent airports’ interests, promote airport excellence, and safeguard the interests of the travelling public,” the group said.

Badlisham will also be speaking as a panelist during the conference to share his thoughts on airports’ digital transformation, which has increasingly become an expected and critical element in productivity and passenger service deliverance.