Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" is celebrating its first anniversary. Although the airport's first year of operation coincided with the most difficult period for global aviation ever, the results were positive: First year figures are very satisfactory, the airport is highly recognized both by the travelling public as well as the airlines, and the level of security is exemplary. "Eleftherios Venizelos" airport, "Southeastern Europe's new world hub", has provided a boost to Greek tourism.
Very soon after the commencement of operation, Athens International Airport gained international acknowledgement for a variety of services, rising to one of the top positions among the world's best airports. "The best gift for the airport's birthday is its rating in the 5th position worldwide, according to the latest results of the independent IATA Global Monitoring Survey", stated CEO of Athens International Airport, Dr. Matthias Mitscherlich, during the Press Conference held today on the occasion of the airport's first anniversary. During the first 12 months of the airport's operation, approximately 12.2 million passengers travelled through the airport, and 170,000 flights took place. According to the latest independent IATA survey - which is the main tool for measuring passengers' satisfaction on an international level - Athens International Airport climbed from the 6th to the 5th place internationally. It is also a noteworthy achievement that the airport maintained the 2nd position among European airports, by securing the 1st place in 10 out of the survey's 25 categories. To name but a few, Athens International Airport was the top European airport in the categories "Cleanliness of the airport terminal", "Courtesy/helpfulness of airport staff", "Speed of baggage delivery service", and "Ease of making connection with other flights/availability of connecting flights", which highlights the airport's capability of developing into a major hub.
Despite the consequences of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks in the U.S.A., which have financially influenced Athens International Airport as well, "Eleftherios Venizelos" is heading towards its target of developing into a major hub for Southeastern Europe. During the last weeks, a continuous increase in passenger traffic as well as in the number of flights is being observed. Athens International Airport will publish the exact commercial and financial data in its Annual Report, which will be issued in the beginning of June.
The first birthday of the airport is undoubtedly an occasion for a big celebration. However, Athens International Airport, instead of holding grand festivities on its anniversary, decided on this occasion to express its care for the young, education, and for social issues, by offering:
Among its numerous friends in Greece and abroad, "Eleftherios Venizelos" received today birthday wishes from a special colleague: Incheon International Airport of Korea, which commenced operation just a single day after "Eleftherios Venizelos". In a live conference link with Athens International Airport, the President of Incheon International Airport in Seoul, Mr. Dong-suk Kang, conveyed his wishes to AIA's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Matthias Mitscherlich. In his address towards Athens Airport, Incheon President stated: "I am convinced that Athens Airport and the Olympic Games of 2004 in Athens will showcase the Greek historical heritage, as well as the natural beauty of Greece, the birthplace of knowledge, culture and hospitality".