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International traffic at the new Athens International Airport is increased as against the respective periods of the year 2000, in terms of routes, destinations and new airlines using «Eleftherios Venizelos» airport. The above increase reflects the drastic contribution of the new airport to the upgrading of the country's tourist profile, thanks to the high quality services offered, and the improved image of Greece as regards security.

Airport traffic from the commencement of operation through June 15
In the period 31/3-15/6/2001, itineraries were increased by 2.4%, whilst the number of international passengers was increased by 3.6% as against the respective period last year, demonstrating the increased passengers traffic in summer 2001. Furthermore, taking into consideration the three strikes that took place in April and May, causing the cancellation of 40% of the flights during those days, the above figures are considerably encouraging. Moreover, five new destinations were added (Tehran, Mouskat, Tripolis, Anapa, Antler/Sotsi) and new additional frequencies have been established by British Airways, Sabena, Thai, Maersk/SAS, Iberia, Alitalia.

Airport Charges: Small impact on airlines and tourist packages
The concept applied for setting the new airport's prices is already known, as well as the fact that the Airport Company has made every effort to provide the Airport Community with high quality services at the lowest possible prices, within the framework of the current contractual loan agreement.

The airport landing and parking charges are not the principal criterion for the decision of airlines to use the airport, as they constitute only part (5-10%) of the total cost payable by an airline to the airport. The aircraft handling charges, which constitute the highest cost for airlines at an airport, have been significantly decreased at the new airport (by approximately 25%).

Furthermore, the decrease in the airport development tax for EU countries, comprising 64% of international traffic, has counterbalanced the airport charges' increase to a great extent, and eventually caused an additional cost of only GRD 1,189 (EURO 3.5), an amount that is not affecting tourist demand.

Lastly, the increase in airport charges cannot affect negatively the tourist traffic for the year 2001, given that the booking of travel packages for this year's tourist season have already been made since the year 2000, way before the new airport's commencement date.

Cooperation between the Athens International Airport and Greek Tourist Associations
The Athens International Airport seeks the best possible co-operation with all associations of tourism in Greece, aiming at upgrading the tourist image of the country, the city of Athens, and the surrounding areas. In this framework, the Airport Company carried out several meetings with the Greek Tourist Associations during the last years, in order to exchange ideas and discuss their specific requirements.

Within the framework of its cooperation with the Greek Tourist Associations, and further to the request of the Hellenic Association of Travel Tourist Agencies (HATTA) and the Pan-Hellenic Association of Tourist Enterprises (POET), the Airport Company decided, in order not to burden further the travel packages' cost for Summer 2001, to postpone the charge for the parking of tourist buses until September 15, 2001.

Moreover, further to the relevant request of the above associations, "Athens International Airport S.A." constructed - at its own cost - and provided a second, free of charge parking space at the south entrance of the airport, for the long term parking of tourist buses.