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AIA’s four development pillars: Capacity utilisation - Property Development - international presence - Care for the environment

In a Press Conference held today at Athens International Airport, AIA’s CEO, Dr. Yiannis Paraschis presented the airport’s 1st semester 2007 traffic results and future development plans, highlighting four key-pillars for future development: Utilisation of existing airport capacity and creation of new capacity - Property development - AIA’s strong international presence - Care for the environment

Passenger traffic up by 10.1% in the first semester of 2007

Recording an impressive +10.1% in passenger traffic in the 1st semester of the year, Athens International Airport ranks in 2007 among Europe’s fastest growing airports. All geographical regions demonstrated a traffic increase, while the 17 low cost airlines operating to / from AIA had a key role in the positive traffic development, connecting Athens with 31 destinations - 21 last year - and posting +50% passenger traffic on a year-to-year. Additionally international tourist arrivals were also increased by 17%, indicating AIA’s significant contribution in tourism.

AIA future development and business plans

• Utilisation of existing capacity (21 million passengers, according to latest IATA survey / May 2007): AIA’s goal, parallel to its continuous aeronautical development, is to maintain top level services offered to passengers and to keep upgrading the travellers’ experience: “It is our main goal”, Dr. Paraschis stressed, “to listen to our passengers. Following the trend and development of travellers’ expectations, leads us to the introduction of new passenger service elements.” Further to continuous monitoring through AIA quality research and ACI passenger survey, AIA initiated a programme introducing new or upgraded passenger services. At a later stage (2009), AIA will implement a project for the full utilisation of its Satellite Terminal Building - with new infrastructure - to absorb 30% of the airport’s traffic, while the airport’s Main Terminal will also expand, by creating new retail areas and business lounges.
   
• Creating new capacity (over 21 million passengers): AIA’s new master plan for traffic exceeding current capacity of 21 million passengers is based on the new aviation industry developments and will be submitted for approval according to the airport’s ADA provisions.
   
• In the framework of property development, Dr. Paraschis referred to the airport’s Exhibition & Conference Centre, due to begin operations in 2009, and to AIA’s future plans (development of 2nd airport hotel, leisure / sports areas, warehouse / logistics park, business park). “The materialization of the Airport Company’s vision to create a modern “airport city”, stressed Dr. Paraschis, “will make Athens International Airport an autonomous and attractive business destination, which is expected to contribute significantly to job creation, as well as to the economic development of the greater region.”
   
• A strong international presence
  “AIA’s strong international presence”, Yiannis Paraschis stated, “is reflected in our intense external IT&T business activity in 12 international airports and our plans to expand our external business to more aviation fields, as well as in AIA’s active presence in international airport institutions.” In his capacity as President of ACI Europe, Dr. Paraschis referred to the main issues of concern for European airports currently, namely capacity, financing, security / safety, and environment.
   
• Placing special emphasis on environmental care, AIA’s CEO stated: “Implementing an integrated environmental management system, Athens International Airport operates responsibly towards the airport community and its neighbours, while at the same time undertaking initiatives on a wider scale. Until today we have invested more than 40 million euros, in a number of pioneering environmental projects and initiatives. In 2006, 1,720 tonnes of the airport’s total waste were recycled; this year we aim to exceed 2,500 tonnes. For the greater area, our initiatives for 2007 include a proposal for a 40,000 euros project for the preservation and protection of the wetland in Vravrona. We are currently examining the possibilities of using alternative and renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaics, aiming at the development of a 7MW photovoltaic park, an investment rising to 50 million euros. Since 2004, AIA operates a pilot photovoltaic unit, while in the same year we were the first Greek company to receive the European Commission’s GreenLight award for the implementation of a series of preventive maintenance activities and energy efficient measures in lighting, resulting in reducing emissions related to the greenhouse effect. Regarding the global issue of climate change, we shall investigate more future initiatives, aiming to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.”

Referring to AIA’s environmental activity, AIA CEO said: “Dealing with environmental challenges responsibly and efficiently, is a priority for Athens International Airport. Our company’s environmental action and initiatives will continue, based on the principle that environmental protection is a prerequisite for the continuous development of the airport and the harmonious co-existence with the local communities.”