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The Summer Season 2006 traffic results, the enhanced incentive programme of Athens International Airport (AIA), and a new significant international distinction rewarding the airport’s support towards airlines, were presented today during a Press Conference held by AIA.

AIA OAG Airport Marketing Award Winner 2006

For the second consecutive year, Athens International Airport’s airline-partners rewarded the airport with the OAG Airport Marketing Award, in the 10 – 25 million passengers category, at the 12th World Route Development Forum – “ROUTES 2006” in Dubai, for its airline developmental programme. AIA’s second consecutive OAG Airport Marketing distinction, recognising the airport’s airline incentives and marketing programme, is the result of a successful developmental strategy, which, during the period 2002-2005, attracted 18 new airlines and added 17 new destinations and a significant number of additional frequencies in the airport’s schedule.

Traffic increased during Summer Season 2006

With a successful 5-year track record among the fastest growing airports in Europe, having achieved positive results in all areas of its developmental strategy and with traffic rising every year (6.5% annual average growth), Athens International Airport recorded positive results also during the Summer Season April-September 2006: 6.2% passenger traffic increase, 5% increase in total flight movements, and 12% increase in international flights, 11 new destinations and 5 new airlines. In addition, AIA foreign passengers traffic posted double-digit increase (+12%) for the same period, whereas passengers travelling for tourism, and exhibitions / conferences also increased significantly, by +20% and +81%, respectively.

Athens International Airport’s enhanced incentives programme

Furthermore, consistently supporting airlines for route development, Athens International Airport enhanced its incentives and marketing programme, participating in the airlines’ initial business risk in developing a new route, and increasing the airport’s competitiveness. AIA’s incentives programme - one of the most attractive worldwide - comprises the following:

1. Programme duration extension from 3 to 5 years
2. Discounts increase in landing & parking charges, applicable to all categories, reaching 100% for new routes and up to 50% discounts for additional frequencies
3. For the first three years, zero charges for long-haul routes (China, USA, Far East), and discounts for the fourth and fifth year (75% and 50%, respectively)
4. Discounts for seasonal international routes operating throughout the Summer (April – October) or the Winter (November – March) seasons, aiming at prolonging the tourist season
5. For the first time, the programme provides up to 50% discounts in landing & parking charges for additional domestic routes
6. Continuation of incentive providing up to 25% discounts in landing & parking charges for thin international routes

In parallel, Athens International Airport implements a co-promotion and advertising programme, following pioneer strategies for the development of new routes, contributing to the promotion of airlines in the Greek market.

Referring to the “OAG Airport Marketing Award”, AIA’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yiannis Paraschis, stressed: “This prestigious distinction rewards our effort to build a close and fruitful partnership with all airlines, in order to support the pursuit of their development goals. The OAG Airport Marketing Award also reflects the success of AIA’s planning for the last 5 years. We would like to thank our airline partners for honouring AIA with this award for the second consecutive year, and express once again our commitment to continue supporting their development plans in an ongoing joint effort.”

The OAG Airport Marketing Award 2006 that was presented to Athens International Airport	From left to right: Marina Papageorgiou, AIA Head, Press Office, Yiannis Paraschis, AIA Deputy Chief Executive Officer , George Karamanos, AIA Director, Communications & Marketing	Mr. Yiannis Paraschis, AIA Deputy Chief Executive Officer, at the Press Conference	From the Press Conference