Castries, July 28th , 2010 - SLASPA’s General Manager / CEO, Sean Mathew was a specially invited guest at the recently concluded American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Conference held July 18-20th 2010 held in Panama. The AAAE and the International Association of Airport Executives (IAAE) sponsor several international conferences throughout the year that create an opportunity for top-level international airport executives to share and exchange information within the ever-changing global aviation industry.

This year’s conference was devoted to discussing airport and aviation challenges in the Latin America/Caribbean (LAC) region. Areas covered included security, safety, air cargo development and revenue generation. Over 100 international airport executives, Government Officials and industry suppliers participated in this year’s event where SLASPA was also represented by Mr. Peter Jean, Director of Airports.

Mr. Sean Matthew joined a panel of industry experts to discuss solutions to challenges in both the Aeronautical and Non-Aeronautical sectors of the Airport Industry. Mr. Matthew spoke specifically on Revenue Generation. “It is imperative that Airport Executives incorporate the non-aeronautical revenues from the initial stages of the Master planning for the Airport. This would include the design and selection of the retail space and businesses for key areas, continuous market research and a comprehensive understanding of both the consumers and the retail partners ,” said Mr. Matthew.

Mr. Matthew went on to speak about the importance of Advertising as part of non-aeronautical revenue. “Advertising is another important revenue stream, however, it should to be done with a key interest at integrating as many businesses on island as well as international ones where possible. One should not forget or exclude the employees’ needs at the facility and the requirement to ensure that some economic benefit can be gained by catering to their needs.

This can be done in a number of ways - reduction of prices for employees, special restaurant and eating establishments and small mini-mart and banking facilities at the airport continued Mr. Matthew. “There is also need to organize and develop an efficient Transportation system that will allow for a seamless ground transportation service as well as long and short term parking regimes. The overall objective is not only to meet revenue goals but to ensure passenger comfort and safety,” concluded Mr. Matthew

The entire presentation was well received by the participants and given SLASPA’s developmental plans for the aviation industry it is expected that SLASPA’s executives will continue to feature in future AAAE or similar events