Sustainability in daily business operation
At Athens airport, we prioritise sustainability by embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into every aspect of our operations and public reporting. This approach underscores our commitment to developing sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility. In response to increasing regulatory scrutiny and constraints, AIA continues to advance its sustainability practices, ensuring compliance, while actively contributing to a greener future for air transport.
| ESG insights and AIA responses | |
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| Insights | AIA responses |
| ESG issues are fundamental for business and are increasingly attracting interest from all stakeholders, including lenders, regulators and actors in the local and international airport community. | AIA will develop, communicate and act upon a clear Environmental and Social vision that reflects its unique ambitions and capabilities across all ESG pillars. In this direction, AIA has conducted due diligence in managing its environmental and social issues. |
| Environment: AIA leads the way in implementing actions aimed at protecting the environment, within and beyond the airport’s perimeter, as it is on track to achieve its ambitious targets set for the near future, including achieving net zero carbon emissions. | AIA will continue to be a pioneer in the field of environmental sustainability, setting high standards, going beyond mere compliance, achieving decarbonization of its own emissions, while also supporting its Stakeholders in moving in the same direction. |
| Social: AIA invests in shaping a positive social footprint, by supporting the development of the local region, establishing the Airport Company as a great place to work and providing its customers with unique and high-quality services. AIA contributes to the economic development of Athens, the region, and the country, through its targeted and strategic actions for responsible tourism development. | AIA will further enhance its active role in the region’s economic development and leverage its unique position within the tourism ecosystem to bring Athens at the forefront as a sustainable year-round destination, with a strategic plan that ensures exceptional quality experience for its customers. |
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Governance: AIA’s governance is characterised by high standards for business ethics and reporting (e.g., being one of the first major Greek companies to adhere to the updated GRI standards), while promoting consistent engagement with internal and external Stakeholders. |
AIA plans to further integrate ESG factors into its daily operations by revising corporate processes and policies and by integrating ESG impact assessments into corporate decision-making. |
Fostering Excellence in Sustainable Development: Athens International Airport's integrated approach and commitment
AIA is committed to driving excellence in sustainable development through an integrated approach to governance and a strong corporate commitment to the Environment, Society, and Governance. Sustainability is the cornerstone of our strategy, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Our approach integrates ethical standards and environmental responsibility, guided by the UN Global Compact.
Key Points:
Sustainability Strategy: The Sustainability Policy sets out the Company’s ESG framework, ensuring transparency and accountability. We use practices such as annual Materiality Analysis to accurately and transparently capture our actions and initiatives. These efforts are reflected in our Annual & Sustainability Report, highlighting our commitment to sustainable development and responsible corporate behavior.
Governance Oversight: Rigorous oversight by our Board of Directors’ Audit Committee ensures the accuracy of sustainability reports. The diverse composition of the Company’s Sustainability Committee fosters collaboration for holistic approaches to sustainability initiatives.
Ethical Standards: Adherence to high ethical standards is a fundamental principle guiding the Company’s operations. At Athens International Airport, an integrated system ensures compliance with the applicable regulatory framework. This system is shaped by the Corporate Code of Business Conduct, Anti-Fraud, Anti-Corruption and Whistleblowing Policies, and specialised training conducted on a regular basis.
Advocacy and Sustainable Business Practices: We advocate for sustainable business practices at the national, European, and sectoral levels, collaborating with Stakeholders to advance development initiatives and enhance transparency.
Performance Measurement: Non-financial performance, including sustainable development goals, is monitored and evaluated in detailed analysis in our Annual Report and Sustainability Report.
Integration of UN SDGs into AIA’s Strategy: Athens International Airport aligns its priorities with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on human rights, labor relations, the environment, and anti-corruption principles across all its operations.
At AIA, we uphold ethical business conduct, transparency, and sustainable development, fostering a business environment based on trust and integrity.
At AIA, we prioritise meaningful dialogue with our diverse stakeholders, ensuring transparency and inclusiveness in our operations:
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Open dialogue: Engaging with stakeholders through a continuous and substantive dialogue across various channels of communication and meaningful cooperation.
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Feedback mechanisms: Taking into account the feedback from our Stakeholders, to formulate decisions and update our strategy accordingly.
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Collaboration: Working closely with customers, partners, and local communities through structured practices such as committees and workshops.
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Interaction with local communities and society at large: Interacting with local authorities and giving a voice to passengers and consumers through surveys and feedback systems.
We value stakeholders' input, including employees, partners, customers, NGOs, and shareholders, reflecting our commitment to transparency and inclusive decision-making.
In line with our commitment to transparency and inclusive decision-making, we take the perspectives of all stakeholders—employees, partners, customers, NGOs, and shareholders—into serious consideration.
Engaging Stakeholders
At AIA, we prioritise transparency and collaboration with our diverse stakeholders. This commitment is integral to our corporate strategy, ensuring that we incorporate stakeholder feedback into our operations effectively. Here is how we foster communication and engagement:
Open communication with stakeholders
We engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders through various channels, including open consultations and structured practices like committees and workshops. This approach allows us to gather valuable feedback and insights from stakeholders such as employees, partners, customers, NGOs, and shareholders.
Communication Tools
To enhance transparency and accessibility, we utilize a range of communication tools:
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Press releases and events: The timely provision of information and continuous cooperation with the media ensure, to a large extent, that all Stakeholders are properly informed.
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Corporate publications: Regular reports, such as the Annual and Sustainability Report, as well as specialized publications, provide comprehensive information to all stakeholders.
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Investor relations: Detailed information on the dedicated Investor Relations website ensures the necessary transparency.
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Contact us: Easy accessibility through the official AIA website and direct contact by e-mail.
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Customer helpline: Our "We Listen" helpline is specifically designed to address stakeholder concerns and comments regarding aircraft noise issues immediately.
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Social Media: Interactive platforms ensure engagement with Stakeholders.
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Committees and collective representative bodies: Active participation in industry developments and collaborations.
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Open dialogue: Hosting consultations and maintaining open channels for ongoing dialogue.
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Annual and Sustainability Report feedback: Gathering the views of Stakeholders on the content of the Annual and Sustainability Report ensures alignment with stakeholder expectations in future reporting and beyond.
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24-Hour Call Center: Access to information and support through our dedicated AIA Call Center.
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Official website and intranet: Centralised information for stakeholders to access the most current updates and data.
These tools allow us to integrate stakeholder insights into our decision-making processes, reinforcing our commitment to transparency, responsible governance, and sustainable practices at AIA.
Throughout the years, Athens International Airport (AIA) has been honoured with prestigious awards for its approach to managing environmental, social , and corporate governance (ESG) issues, including:
Sustainability Approach
- 2023 ACI Europe "Highest Resilience & Sustainability" Award in the 25-40 million passenger category
- 2018 Corporate Affairs Excellence Award for the 2018 Sustainability Report
- 2015 Hellenic Management Association: Corporate Affairs Excellence Award for the corporate “i-mind” program in the category “Company & Stakeholders”
- 2015 Transport & Logistics Awards: “Excellent Performance” Award in CSR
- 2015 Transport & Logistics Awards: “Outstanding Performance” Distinction for implementing a joint communication platform for the Cargo community
- 2015 Facilities Management Award: Gold Award in the “Impact on Sustainability” category
- 2006 ATRS Business Efficiency Excellence: Runner-up Award
- 2004 European Commission: GreenLight Award
Energy Management
- 2022 ACI Europe: Best Airport Award (25-40 million passengers) – Highly Commended for its bold ROUTE 2025 program
- 2017 Energy Mastering Awards: Gold Award for AIA’s licensed activity of “Electricity Grid Manager”
- 2015 Energy Mastering Awards – Silver Award
- 2008 European Commission: “Green Building Award” for remarkable energy savings
Environment
- 2016 Ecopolis Environmental Awareness Awards: Award for biodiversity protection and wildlife management
- 2016 Environmental Awards: Gold Award for “Water Consumption Reduction” – Gold Award for “Efficient Water Management” – Grand Award for the overall Water Management
- 2015 Waste & Recycling Awards – Gold Award
- 2014 European Business Awards for the Environment: 1st place in the Environmental Management category and Distinction for the Protection of Biodiversity
- 2013 ACI EUROPE: Eco – Innovation Award
- 2005, 46th Paris Air Show: Aerospace Industry Award in the “Infrastructure & Environment” category
Social
- 2004 European Foundation Quality Management (E.F.Q.M.): “Commitment to Excellence” Award for Human Resources Management
- 2003 KPMG Tourism Awards “6th Human Resources Symposium”: Award for Human Resources Training and Development
Culture
- 2023 Tourism Awards: Gold Award in the “Cultural Exhibition” category
- 2019 Tourism Awards: Gold Award in 2 categories: “Tourism & Culture” and “Destinations: Tourism Attractions”
These awards reflect our ongoing commitment to sustainable development and corporate responsibility, reinforcing our dedication to environmental management, social engagement, and governance underpinned by high ethical standards.
