Mumbai: SGK Kishore, a senior GMR Group executive, has been appointed as the new president of Airport Council International, Asia Pacific & Middle East ( ACI APAC & MID).

Kishore succeeds Emmanuel Menanteau, Board Director of Cambodia Airports/Regional Director, VINCI Airports.

The new President will assume the charge from January 1, 2025 for a two year term, the GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited., said in a release.

ACI APAC & MID represents the interests of over 600 airports in 47 member countries/territories.

Menanteau said he was confident of the ACI-Asia Pacific and Middle East will continue to be a powerful advocate for the regions' airports under the new leadership.

The Asia-Pacific & Middle East region is projected to experience rapid growth in air travel, with passenger traffic estimated to grow from the current 3.4 billion to 9.7 billion by 2042 -- nearly half of global passenger traffic, according to the statement.

Indian aviation is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally. It is currently the third largest domestic market globally.

GMR Group said Kishore's appointment marks a significant milestone in the Indian aviation industry. It is also a testimony of the game changer that India has been in the aviation landscape and this representation in a prestigious world forum such as ACI APAC & MID is a welcome move, it said.

-B