PRESS RELEASES
06 FEBRUARY 2019
Chinese New Year at Athens International Airport!
«Chūnjié kuàilè»! «Xīnnián kuàilè»! With the best of wishes and a series of activations, the Athens International Airport is welcoming Chinese visitors, during the festive period (February 5th - 15th) of the Chinese New Year! 
 
According to the Chinese calendar, this year is the “Year of the Pig”, symbolizing the emphasis on Family and Home. Joining the festivities for the celebration of the Chinese New Year, Athens International Airport and Air China held an event at the airport, offering a taste of China’s culture, music, dance and flavours, while following the Chinese tradition, gifts were offered to all arriving and departing passengers. 
 
At the same time, Air China passengers had the opportunity to vote for the name of the Athens International Airport’s new Pig Mascot. So, “Lucky Zhu” (“Zhū lèlè” – “Happy Pig”), is the mascot introduced especially on the occasion of the Chinese New Year and will be at the airport throughout the festive period welcoming all passengers to / from China!
 
Mr. Fan Heyun, General Manager Air China / Athens Office, said: «2019 for Chinese people is the year of the Golden Pig. One of the most auspicious years among the 12 years of Chinese zodiac cycle.  We’re happy to see that AIA always spares big efforts to make Athens International Airport more and more Chinese-friendly.  I believe all the Chinese people visiting here will love the nice surprise and feel at home with all the seasonal spirits of Chinese New Year.  The lovely Piggy mascot will bring good lucks to every traveler, making them feel like home and staff also.  Big thanks to AIA for making Athens one of the most popular destinations of Chinese tourists and wish a big growth of Chinese arrival in the year of the Pig».
 
“Warmest wishes and best of luck to all our visitors from China!” stressed Ioanna Papadopoulou, Director Communications and Marketing, Athens International Airport. “We want every moment at the airport to be a wonderful and unforgettable experience! Today, together with Air China, our excellent airline partner, we had the opportunity to create a special experience for our Chinese passengers. We wish to all of them a Year of the Pig full of happy moments, and… lots of travels   to Athens!”
 
 
Press Office 
Athens International Airport
tel.: +30 210 3537227
 
 
Video from the event: https://youtu.be/YT_IakS_Gqk