Another top distinction for Athens International Airport
This year’s World ROUTES, the biggest gathering of airports and airlines (2-4 October, Berlin) were concluded with another top ROUTES distinction for Athens International Airport, its tenth in seven years. Airlines from across the globe voted AIA as the 2nd best airport in airport marketing in the European category, for supporting consistently and dynamically their development efforts and programmes, even in a year that was heavily tested by the adverse conditions of the Greek economy. Among all European Airports, Budapest received the first award, while Athens and Amsterdam airports were highly commended. Also, Hamburg, Munich and London / Stansted airports were short-listed to the final round of the evaluation process. Athens International Airport’s significant route development in 2011 with 11 new legacy and low cost “arrivals” (Air China, TAP Portugal, Transavia Netherlands Air One, Belle Air, Czech Connect, Darwin, Hellenic Imperial, Jetairfly, Rossiya Airlines, Sky Wings), and keeping international traffic only at -1.5% despite the adverse economy and the bigger GNP downfall, were among the key criteria that led to the airport’s new distinction.
About the new ROUTES distinction, AIA CEO, Yiannis Paraschis, stated “Wthin the ROUTES institution, Athens International Airport holds a record 10 distinctions in 7 years. However, this year’s outcome is very special for us, as it reflects our airline partners’ recognition of Athens International Airport’s consistent value for money planning, along with its commercial support policy, despite the dire moments of the economy and the city of Athens in particular. This year, we continued to offer airlines an integrated incentives scheme and co-financed marketing support programmes. Keeping all aeronautical charges ‘frozen’ since 2009, we stand by the airlines in their effort to mitigate their financial burdens, also aiming to maintain the attractiveness of Athens for airline activity, even amid the economic adversity”.