A special distinction has been awarded to Athens International Airport, only one year after commencement of operations, marking its dynamic entry into the ranks of the top airports in the world. According to the annual results of the independent survey conducted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for 2001, Athens Airport ranks second in Europe (after "Vantaa" airport of Helsinki) and third internationally (Dubai airport is in the lead) in the main category of "Overall Passenger Satisfaction", for airports with maximum annual passenger volume up to 15 million passengers. Within the framework of the announcement by IATA of the results which honour Greece and Athens International Airport, "Airport World" magazine organized on Thursday 20 June 2002, with due formality, the award ceremony for the "Airport Service Excellence Awards", at the imposing Palais Schwarzenberg in Vienna. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of "Eleftherios Venizelos", Dr. Yiannis Paraschis, who received the two excellence awards, stated: "We are especially pleased for this double distinction of our airport. The achievement of 2nd place in Europe and 3rd place internationally consolidates the successful and smooth cooperation between all members of our airport community in an ideal manner. We are proud that the new international airport of Greece ranks, already from the first year of its operation, among top airports in the world".
It is worthy of note that the independent "Global Monitor Survey" carried out by IATA, constitutes the main tool for measuring airport passenger satisfaction on a global scale. Based on passenger opinion, the 52 most significant airports in Europe, North America, and Asia - Pacific/Middle East were assessed across a range of service categories. During its first year of operation, Athens International Airport achieved first place among European airports in the categories of "Ease of finding the way through the airport/Signposting", "Ease of making connections with other flights", "Restaurant/Eating facilities", "Comfortable waiting/Gate areas" and "Parking facilities", as well as "Cleanliness of airport terminal", "Passport/Visa inspection" and "Washrooms". The excellent results arising from the research of the International Air Transport Association for 2001 reveal passengers' appreciation of the high standard of services offered by Athens International Airport. At the same time, the IATA survey reflects the steady course of "Eleftherios Venizelos" airport towards its establishment as one of the best and most competitive airports in the world.
Deputy CEO Dr. Yiannis Paraschis receives award for Athens International Airport