World Routes 2019: Airlines honour Athens International Airport with yet another top distinction!
“Highly Commended” in the 20-50 million pax category
During World Routes 2019, the biggest global networking route development annual forum, (Adelaide, September21-24) Athens International Airport received one more significant distinction, voted by airlines as “Highly Commended” in the competitive 20-50 million passengers category.
Compliments on Athens’ submission were received from the airline judges on the airport’s impressive 11% rise in traffic in 2018 to more than 24.1 million passengers. The airport secured 62 new routes during last year and welcomed four new airlines. Volotea and Ellinair opened bases, while Ryanair started 21 sectors and AEGEAN commenced 15 new routes. 13 carriers also added capacity across 34 routes. Praise was also received for Athens’ multi-awarded incentive scheme, which comprises 13 different elements, and covers “any possible type of route development from home-based airlines, LCCs or visiting carriers”.
AIA’s Communications and Marketing Director, Ioanna Papadopoulou, stressed:
“I would like to warmly thank the airlines for their votes and continuous trust in our airport and our market! Our campaign this year, under the slogan "AuTHENtic Smiles", focuses on our ongoing effort to promote our destination, Athens, and reflects in an... authentic way our consistence in designing and implementing innovative and pioneer programmes to support airlines already operating in our market, and attracting new ones at the same time. Through this approach, we believe that we are strongly and efficiently supporting our airline partners in their developmental plans and operations in our market, thus also contributing to the promotion of Athens as one of the top travel destinations internationally. I would also like to thank my colleagues of the airline development & marketing team; their dedication, commitment and professionalism has substantially contributed to this positive outcome”.