Athens International Airport (AIA) is once again the winner of the Routes Airport Marketing Awards* in the Europe category. AIA was awarded in the framework of World ROUTES 2009, the biggest gathering of airports and airlines, held in Beijing, from September 12-15. This time airlines from across the globe distinguished AIA for supporting their route development consistently and dynamically, through the airport’s wide-scale innovative marketing programmes**. During tough economic times, this new distinction has a special significance for Athens International Airport: In 2009, AIA was the only European airport with increased number of frequencies, with its airline marketing programmes having so far brought 12 new airlines to Athens in 2009 (Air Arabia, Baboo, Cimber Sterling, Libyan. Lvov, Transavia, Atlant-Souyz Airlines, Athens Airways, Etihad, Pegasus, Hellenic Imperial and Sun Express) and 8 new international destinations (Nice, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Tripoli, Benghazi, Casablanca, Izmir, Krasnodar). Within the framework of the 2009 awards, Amsterdam and Brussels airports were highly commended in the Europe category. * supported by OAG ** By participating in the airlines’ initial business risk in developing a new route through its incentives and marketing programme, Athens International Airport consistently supports airlines for route development and increases the airport’s competitiveness. Additionally, Athens International Airport implements a co-promotion and advertising programme, following pioneer strategies for the development of new routes, contributing to the promotion of airlines in the Greek market.