For Athens International Airport (AIA), the year 2004 is marked by the Olympic Games endeavour, the impressive passenger and aircraft movement growth and the strong non-aeronautical development. The year’s successful performance and achievements are also reflected in the Airport Company’s positive financial results for the fiscal period 2004, posting total revenue of €329.8 million (+13.4% compared to 2003) and a pre-tax profit of €47.1 million (+62.9%).

With 13.7 million passengers (+11.5% vs. 2003) and 191,000 flights (+12.3%), in 2004 AIA broke all previous traffic records for Athens. This dynamic development placed Athens International Airport in the top positions in terms of passenger and aircraft movement growth among Europe's major airports (over 10 million passengers annually), reasserting also the success of the airport’s aeronautical strategy during 2004. The significant traffic growth resulted in an increase of the aeronautical revenues by 11.2%, contributing by 59% to the total revenue of the company. This allowed the Airport to agree with the airlines not to increase the level of airport charges by maintaining last year's levels, thus supporting the airlines in reducing their operating costs.

Non-aeronautical revenues grew by a remarkable 16.8% during 2004, contributing by 41% to the total revenue of the company. The consistent growth of the contribution of non-aeronautical revenues in the Company’s total turnover enhances the Airport’s attractiveness and enables AIA to sustain its competitive aeronautical pricing policy, and its generous developmental incentives to all airlines. The new outlets in the terminal commercial area, together with an effective promotional strategy, boosted the respective revenues by 25.4%, while AIA's Information Technology & Telecommunications sector expanded significantly its consulting and airport solution services, both in Greece and abroad. The year 2004 was also marked by the operation of the first AIA Retail Park developments, reflecting the diversification of AIA's developmental strategy and the potential of Real Estate Development, which is evolving into an important revenue stream.

Moreover, the Airport Company managed to contain its operating expenses at the level of €214.2 million, i.e. +9.5% compared to the previous year. This increase is considerably lower as against the increases in both passenger traffic and revenues, despite the additional expenses occurred due to the Olympic Games.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 11.5% to € 215.3 million. Furthermore, in 2004 the company proceeded to reduce its debt by repaying part (€35.3 million) of the private shareholders loan, thus managing to reduce its financial expenses for the specific period, but also for the forthcoming years.

With Pre-tax Profit reaching € 47.1 million, an increase of 62.9% against 2003, the Airport Company continues its track record of positive results.

The Management of Athens International Airport S.A. commented: "The robust performance of the Airport Company is based on the consistent upward growth not only as a result of the positive traffic evolution, but also thanks to the successful development of its non-aeronautical activities. We shall also continue to invest towards the airport's long-term operational and business excellence, guaranteeing sustainable growth for the company's stakeholders and the public at large, given AIA's identity as a responsible public service entity".