Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" is the first European airport to receive the "Commitment to Business Excellence" award by the European Foundation for Quality Management (E.F.Q.M.) This foundation, endorsed by the European Commission, aims to the advancement of Quality Management on behalf of European enterprises. By this prestigious distinction, AIA's Information Technology and Telecommunications department is certified for the Company's commitment to business excellence as well as to the development - implementation of Quality Management methods towards the optimization of services for the airport's commercial customers and passengers. The award was presented on March 19, 2002 by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Development Mr. I. Kalogirou, during a ceremony hosted by the Hellenic Management Association (E.E.D.E.), E.F.Q.M.'s National Partner.