In recognition of its contribution to the aviation industry and its support towards airlines, Athens International Airport has been honoured with the 2003 Eagle Award of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents 280 airlines around the world. The IATA Eagle Awards are presented on an annual basis to airports and air navigation service providers, singled out for their financial supportive measures to airlines. The 2003 Eagle Awards are of particular importance due to the global crisis in the aviation industry. The independent Eagle Award Selection Panel decided that the airports of Athens, Singapore, and Melbourne deserved special recognition for their response to the airlines' call for cost containing or reduction measures in a most difficult period of time. Athens International Airport S.A. (AIA) responded to the call of airlines immediately after September 11th, 2001, with a series of reductions in landing and parking charges. In 2002, AIA implemented a Special Support Programme, with measures that were maintained and expanded in 2003, mainly offering reductions in landing and parking charges up to 20% in relation to 2001. The measures have been a significant contribution and a decisive incentive for the presence and development of airlines at AIA. This year, Athens International Airport has already welcomed 4 new airlines (Luxair, Snowflake/SAS, Armenian International Airways and Hemus Air), while, in June, another 2 new airlines (Germanwings and Hellas Jet) will commence operations out of Athens. Both the winter and the summer schedules of Athens International Airport have been enriched with 89 and 85 additional weekly frequencies, respectively. Additional flights are operated by Aegean, Aeroflot, Alitalia, Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Iberia, Swiss, Virgin Express and other. The award ceremony took place on June 2nd in Washington, on the occasion of IATA's 59th Annual General Assembly. This year's event was very special due to the 100th anniversary since the Wright brothers' first flight. On behalf of Athens International Airport, the award was received by AIA's Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Yiannis Paraschis. Within the framework of the award ceremony, as mentioned in IATA's relevant Press Release, Giovanni Bisigniani, IATA Director General & CEO, said: "Today's winners are good examples to follow. They have shown leadership in assisting the air transport industry during the worst crisis in its history. They have displayed the spirit of partnership that will be key to recovery. I salute the 2003 'Eagle' winners."
