Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos"
Committed to operation and service excellence, safety and user-friendliness, the state-of-the-art Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (AIA) has been serving Greece's capital since the opening date March 28th, 2001. A 2.2 billion Euro investment, the new airport was built in a record time of 51 months, replacing its congested predecessor, and offering to all airlines and passengers a modern, spacious and state-of-the-art environment. Athens International Airport has already managed to earn international recognition, holding top positions in the world for the last four years in Overall Passenger Satisfaction - in its airport size category - according to the IATA Global Airport Monitor and AETRA surveys.
A Gateway to Southeastern Europe
Athens' strategic position at the crossroads of three continents offers access to numerous short-haul and medium-haul markets, thus promoting "Eleftherios Venizelos" as the natural connecting point of the region. The new airport is developing into the Southeastern Gateway of Europe providing connecting/feeder traffic from the eastern Mediterranean region, the Middle East, the Balkans, Africa and Greece to European and long-haul destinations.
The Airport Company
AIA is considered a pioneer international Public-Private Partnership of its type in the world, being the first major greenfield airport constructed with the participation of the private sector. 'Athens International Airport S.A.' is the company responsible for the operation, management and development of the airport for a 30-year concession period initiated in 1996. 'Athens International Airport S.A.' is a privately managed company, with the Greek State holding 55% of shares, while the private shareholders collectively hold 45% [HOCHTIEF AirPort GmbH: 26.545%, HOCHTIEF AirPort Capital GmbH: 13.33%, Horizon Air Investments S.A.: 5%, and Flughafen Athen-Spata Projektgesellschaft mbH (FASP): 0.125% stake].
A Business and Employment Engine
Based on the Airport Company's management approach, the new airport acted as a catalyst for long-term business development, by creating a business platform for over 300 entreprises directly related to the airport's operation. More than 14,000 people work at the airport compound, making Athens International Airport one of the biggest employment engines in Greece, which already at its opening generated approximately 3,300 new jobs.
Focusing on Operation Excellence …
The Airport Company ensures orderly, expeditious, and safe airport operations, in compliance with ICAO standards and recommended practices, as well as national rules and regulations. AIA's Airport Services Operation Centre constitutes one of the few facilities in the world that can accommodate airport operations control under a single umbrella.
With maximum security always a primary concern, the airport provides advanced security systems. AIA's fully automated Baggage Handling System combines effectiveness and efficiency; on top of this, AIA operates a 100% hold baggage screening system, which screens all baggage up to 3 different security levels, using state-of-the-art equipment.
… and Service Excellence
Distinguished as one of the best airports in the world in the first four years of operation (2nd in Europe / 2nd in the world in its category - 5-15 million pax p.a. - according to the latest IATA/AETRA survey for Overall Passenger Satisfaction for the year 2004), the new Athens International Airport offers a wide range of services and facilities, making each moment at the airport a pleasant experience for the travellers, their meeters and greeters, and the airport's visitors.
Athens International Airport maintains one of the best airport terminals in Europe, equipped with state-of-the-art systems, featuring a most user-friendly orientation, comfortable waiting areas, and adhering to the highest cleanliness standards. Furthermore, according to the surveys conducted at the airport, our passengers value the airport's warm ambience, the courtesy of staff, as well as the attractive offer of over 60 quality shops and restaurants.
Our Business Approach
Athens International Airport's strategy consists of three main thrusts:
1. Sustaining our strength and long-term growth rate by implementing innovative marketing practices, and providing attractive new incentives to enhance "traditional" domestic and international traffic;
2. Concentrating marketing efforts on the Airport's potential as a regional gateway, and making Athens Airport more attractive to low-cost carriers;
3. Intensifying our quest for non-aeronautical revenues through the continuous
enrichment of the Airport's commercial facilities, the expansion of its IT&T business and the development of its real estate assets and therefore supporting the Airport's competitiveness and the sustainability of its aeronautical pricing policy.
AIA: A Responsible Citizen
For AIA, the airport is not merely viewed as a platform for the movement of passengers and cargo; it also constitutes a crossroads of people from different countries and civilizations. Fully conscious of its social role, AIA exercises an active role as:
" The major direct and indirect employment generator in the surrounding Messogaia and greater Athens area through the diverse activities of AIA, as well as the activities of our customers and clients,
" A responsible corporate citizen promoting social solidarity and culture through explicit programme developments, thus contributing to the wellbeing of our neighbours and the overall society,
" A model professional activist in managing a comprehensive environmental policy by addressing all relevant issues including noise reduction, air and water quality monitoring, waste management and resource monitoring
Caring for our Neighbours
Our priority toward community support is reflected in the employment opportunities we offer to candidates from the surrounding areas as well as the constructive interaction with the local communities and citizens. Our neighbouring communities support plan focuses on substantial financial aid to local schools funding and supervision of the reconstruction of the local road network and municipality buildings, financial support for local cultural events and festivities.
Caring for Social and Cultural Development
AIA is a committed humanitarian sponsor, supporting actively the efforts of philanthropic causes and organisations.
Children and education constitute key elements of our social role; therefore, we have been investing continuously in activities promoting this goal. AIA fosters the needs of passengers travelling with children, by creating a Children's Creative Entertainment Area, and supports educational projects by providing equipment, supplies, and resources.
Culture is a cornerstone of AIA's philosophy, aiming at preserving and presenting our rich cultural heritage, while also constituting the vehicle for promoting the image of modern Greece. AIA supports numerous exhibitions and art events in cooperation with international and local institutions, making the Airport a pole of attraction for art & culture. The Airport's permanent Exhibition of Archaeological Findings from the Airport Area is a unique cultural display of its kind, inaugurated in June 2003. Athens International Airport's "Airport Museum" presents the continuity of life in the rural Messogia plains and its evolution through 172 archaeological findings discovered in the excavations undertaken during airport construction, and dating from the Neolithic and Early Helladic through the Post-Byzantine period.
Caring for the Environment
Committed to its major objective to effectively contribute to environmental protection and continuously monitor and control potential environmental impacts, AIA manages responsibly all the environmental aspects of airport operations. The Environmental Department of Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" was established from the first day of the company's commencement in June 1996. Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" is the first Greek airport with an environmental department that has been certified since December 2000 according to the international environmental standard EN ISO 14001 for environmental management and services.
Athens International Airport's competitive advantages:
" Unrestricted access to 24-hour operations from two independent runways
" State-of-the-art technology and equipment
" Highest standards in safety and security, offering 100% hold baggage screening
" Efficient transfers offering a seamless and pleasant experience
" Advanced cargo facilities: four independent cargo handlers operating on a 24-hour basis at dedicated, bonded terminals with a combined capacity of 275,000 tonnes per year
" Opportunities for new routes and extra frequencies available
Among Athens International Airport's Services …
" More than 35 top-quality shops and 12 restaurant-bars create a highly attractive shopping centre.
" Wireless Internet Service available in the Main Terminal Building; access to WWW via a number of Internet kiosks
" Fully equipped Business Centre (08:00 - 22:00 daily)
" Eight dedicated lounges for airlines' Business and First Class passengers
" For passengers with special needs, AIA provides the necessary conveniences for the proper guidance and flexible mobility within the airport facillities.
" The 5-star Sofitel Hotel, located just opposite the Main Terminal Building, offering luxury accommodation, as well as business facilities, restaurants, recreation facilities, etc.
" A Children's Creative Entertainment Area to suit the needs of passengers travelling with children
" "Executive Valet Parking" service, offering maximum convenience for passengers wishing to experience fast and convenient parking at the airport.
" "Airport Museum": Our permanent Exhibition of Archaeological Findings from the Airport Area, located at the Main Terminal Building / Departures Level, is open to passengers and visitors from 06:00-23:00 daily. The airport's exhibition of archaeological findings dating from the Neolithic and Early Helladic through the Post-Byzantine period, offers travellers and visitors a "journey through time …"
" Travel Agencies: Booking for hotels, air travel, boat tickets, cruises, inclusive packages at the airport's Travel Agencies
" 6 car rental companies provide customers with small, big, luxury or 4X4 cars than can satisfy any needs.
" Full range of currency exchange, bank, and post services
" Dedicated luggage storage space
" Individual and group porter services are provided throughout the airport compound
" Parking facilities; A total of 4,800 parking lots allocated in short- and long-term parking areas, with a fully automated parking system facilitating vacancy information, parking guidelines, and payment.
ATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
" Airport's total land area: 17.5 km2
" 2 independent parallel runways of approx. 4 km each
" Main Terminal & Satellite Buildings spread over an area of 180,000 m2
" 89 aircraft parking stands
" 24 passenger boarding bridges
" 48 gates
" 144 check-in counters
" 11 luggage-claim conveyor belts (hourly capacity 7,000 items)
" Commercial area: 7,000 m2
Capacity (during the first phase of operation)
" Up to 16 million passengers and 220,000 tons of cargo per annum
" 600 aircraft movements a day
" 65 landings-takeoffs an hour
Expansion potential at the final stage of development: up to 50 million passengers
Distinctions
AETRA (IATA/ACI) Award for "Overall Passenger Satisfaction" in 2004
According to the latest AETRA survey for Overall Passenger Satisfaction for the year 2004, Athens International Airport ranked 2nd in Europe & 2nd in the world in its category - 5-15 million pax p.a.
GreenLight Award (November 2004)
Athens International Airport the first Hellenic company to receive the European Commission's GreenLight Award for the implementation of a series of preventive maintenance activities and energy efficient measures in lighting, thus reducing emissions related to the greenhouse effect.
AETRA (IATA/ACI) Award for "Overall Passenger Satisfaction" in 2003 (October 2004)
In the competitive airport size category from 5 to 15 million passengers per annum, "Eleftherios Venizelos" holds the 1st ranking position in Europe in "Overall Passenger Satisfaction", for the second consecutive year, and the 2nd in the world, for the year 2003.
E.F.Q.M. "Committed to Excellence" Award (June 2004)
AIA's Corporate Services Division has been awarded with the "Committed to Excellence" distinction from the European Foundation Quality Management (EFQM), acknowledging the level of its business and the quality of human resources services issues.
2003 IATA Eagle Award (June 2003)
In recognition of its contribution to the aviation industry and its support towards airlines, Athens International Airport has been honoured with the 2003 Eagle Award of the International Air Transport Association.
E.F.Q.M. "Recognised for Excellence" Award (April 2003)
Athens International Airport has been honoured with the "Recognised for Excellence" Award of the European Foundation for Quality Management (E.F.Q.M.), acknowledging the level of business excellence and the quality of services of the Airport's Information Technology & Telecommunications Department.
European Airport of the Year 2004" Award (December 2003)
Athens International Airport was honoured with the title of "European Airport of the Year 2004", within the framework of the annual Institute of Transport Management (ITM) Awards, for its innovative entrepreneurial scheme and the airport's successful operation and achievements.
