Athens International Airport was honoured with a new significant international distinction, within the framework of the “Cargo Airline of the Year” award ceremony, the most prestigious industry distinctions jointly organised on an annual basis by “Air Cargo News” magazine and Airports Council International (ACI). Athens International Airport is the “Best Cargo Airport 2006” award winner in the category 100 - 500,000 metric tonnes annually, in recognition of its successful programmes and contribution to cargo development since airport opening. A committee of industry experts awarded Athens International Airport for its achievements during the last 5 years, including the integration and close cooperation with the local cargo community aiming at enhancing cargo development, the unique idea of hosting all members of the local cargo community “under one roof” at international fairs, the attraction of additional air-freight customers, the development of transit flows, the cooperation with the Port of Piraeus Authority for the establishment of multi-modal sea-air flows, as well as future plans to establish an opposite air-sea link, and create a “cargo village” developing also into a “free trade zone”. This positive trend for AIA Cargo Development, is also reflected in 2006 1st trimester cargo traffic statistics, posting a 7.9% increase on a year-to-year basis:
Receiving the “Best Cargo Airport 2006” award on behalf of Athens International Airport, within the framework of a relevant ceremony organised in London (April 21st), AIA’s Cargo Development Manager, Alexis Sioris, referred to the airport building up a close cooperation with the local cargo community: “Our goal”, Sioris stressed, “is to materialise our vision for AIA, i.e. its gradual development into a cargo gateway for SE Europe. Our “cargo family” at Athens Airport steadily advances towards this direction”.