The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Seminar on "Green Airports," hosted by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority, took place in Athens on April 18 and 19 with resounding success.

Prominent figures participated in the conference, including the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Mr. Christos Staikouras, the Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Ms. Alexandra Sdoukou, the Director of the ICAO Regional Office for Europe and the North Atlantic, Mr. Nicolas Rallo, ICAO Director for Environmental Affairs, Ms. J. Hupe, the Ambassador of Greece to ICAO, Ms. M. Saranti, international aviation regulators, representatives from the Hellenic Aviation Service Provider, representatives from the Greek and global aviation industry, high-ranking officials from the Greek aviation industry and the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, representatives from financial institutions, construction companies, consulting firms, legal experts, academics, Eurocontrol, ACI, IATA, etc.

ICAO Secretary-General Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, also addressed the conference via recorded message, emphasizing the importance of "green" initiatives in aviation policy. He specifically mentioned ICAO's policies and the importance of countries' cooperation in this regard.

Similarly, a special statement was made to the participants of the Green Airports conference by a representative of the United Nations, underscoring the significance of national environmental actions for the planet's sustainability.

This conference, organized every two years by ICAO, aims to highlight issues related to the development of airports with low carbon and environmental footprint, with particular emphasis on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and the utilization of other Clean Energy Sources, including innovations and solutions for the evolution of airport infrastructure and their energy transition.

The hosting of the conference by Greece, specifically by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority, holds particular significance as it placed our country at the center of global aviation interest.

With over 250 participants from around the world, the delegates exchanged scientific perspectives on a wide range of activities and functions for modern green airports. The two-day event promoted increased awareness among all stakeholders on emerging environmental issues and discussed contemporary solutions for the sustainable development of airports.

As Dr. Christos Tsitouras, the Director General of HCAA, succinctly stated in his opening speech to the attendees, setting the tone for the conference: "Your presence here underscores the shared commitment of our global community to address the challenges facing our planet and the aviation industry and to chart a course towards a more sustainable and resilient future."

At a dinner hosted at the Acropolis Museum, among others, the HCAA was honored by the presence of the Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Mr. Demosthenes Grigoriadis, the CEO of Athens International Airport, Mr. Y. Paraschis, and the President of the Board of Directors of Athens International Airport, Mr. M. Kefalogiannis, the CEO of Fraport Greece, Mr. A. Zinell, Mr. Grigoris Dimitriadis, CEO of the National Fund of Greece, etc.