Page 5 - Ath Airport Profile
P. 5
01
Joint
Address by
the Chairman
and the CEO
make the difference to people and entities affected by our operation. This balanced approach is evident in our 2008
Business Plan that specifically provides for investment in sustainability issues, even amid turbulent times for aviation and
the global economy. It is also evident in our short-term planning as we include sustainability-related objectives in our annual
Corporate Scorecard, which reflects our total annual performance measured in financial and non-financial terms.
Our strategy was put to action in 2008 in an efficient and result-oriented manner. Our response to the challenges of
global warming was materialised through the successful implementation of our Climate Change Action Plan, which
involves a series of measures towards reduced CO2 emissions in the activities under our direct control. Within this plan,
having achieved substantial energy savings at the airport buildings and infrastructure, our company was honoured by
the European Commission with the 2008 GreenBuilding Partner Award.
Our effective engagement and cooperation with our stakeholders was once again the key Corporate Responsibility
element: Our seamless cooperation with the airport community was demonstrated in our 2008 Emergency Exercise. Our
commitment for honouring our cultural heritage was the driver behind the New Acropolis Museum Exhibition inauguration
in 2008 in the Airport Main Terminal, in a joint project with the Organisation of the Construction of the New Museum
of Acropolis. At the same time, with the 2008 Employee Opinion Survey, we gave our personnel the opportunity to vote
for our corporate values through an open dialogue across our company. Moreover, our engagement with local authorities
led to the implementation of our annual community relations action plan featuring regular communication with local
authorities, associations and citizens, as well as donations and meaningful support of environmental, educational and
cultural activities and projects.
Our socio-economic impact and contribution on a local, regional, and national level by creating job opportunities and
economic growth, was distinctly reflected in the results of a relevant study undertaken in 2008/9 by the Athens University
of Economics and Business. The results show that the total economic impact of Athens International Airport amounts
to 2.1% of Greece’s GDP, while 63,000 jobs are created. These results are indicative of the income and employment
generated in the national economy, from the airport’s contribution in improving business productivity and attracting
foreign investment and incoming tourism.
For consistently promoting transparency in our sustainability disclosures for a second consecutive year, we ranked 4th
among the 100 largest Greek companies in the AccountabilityTM Rating Greece survey. In addition, this year’s CR Report
was submitted to an assurance audit, in line with the acknowledged best practice that we have been implementing as
of 2007. The assurance process was enhanced this year by complementing the data verification with a materiality check
and a stakeholder engagement element. The outcome of the audit adds value to our reporting process, and enables our
readers to entrust in our disclosures.
Our commitment towards sustainability became more global in 2008, as we joined the United Nations “Global Compact”
initiative and pledged our commitment to supporting and advancing the “Ten Principles” within our sphere of influence.
At the end of this report, you will find a special section, as part of our commitment to the UN cause.
The Airport Company has had a very successful year in 2008, and is now facing the challenges of 2009 with confidence,
as we are convinced that an economic recession can prove to be an opportunity to focus on the essence of Corporate
Responsibility, with realism and tangible actions.
Loukas K. Papazoglou Dr Yiannis N. Paraschis
Joint
Address by
the Chairman
and the CEO
make the difference to people and entities affected by our operation. This balanced approach is evident in our 2008
Business Plan that specifically provides for investment in sustainability issues, even amid turbulent times for aviation and
the global economy. It is also evident in our short-term planning as we include sustainability-related objectives in our annual
Corporate Scorecard, which reflects our total annual performance measured in financial and non-financial terms.
Our strategy was put to action in 2008 in an efficient and result-oriented manner. Our response to the challenges of
global warming was materialised through the successful implementation of our Climate Change Action Plan, which
involves a series of measures towards reduced CO2 emissions in the activities under our direct control. Within this plan,
having achieved substantial energy savings at the airport buildings and infrastructure, our company was honoured by
the European Commission with the 2008 GreenBuilding Partner Award.
Our effective engagement and cooperation with our stakeholders was once again the key Corporate Responsibility
element: Our seamless cooperation with the airport community was demonstrated in our 2008 Emergency Exercise. Our
commitment for honouring our cultural heritage was the driver behind the New Acropolis Museum Exhibition inauguration
in 2008 in the Airport Main Terminal, in a joint project with the Organisation of the Construction of the New Museum
of Acropolis. At the same time, with the 2008 Employee Opinion Survey, we gave our personnel the opportunity to vote
for our corporate values through an open dialogue across our company. Moreover, our engagement with local authorities
led to the implementation of our annual community relations action plan featuring regular communication with local
authorities, associations and citizens, as well as donations and meaningful support of environmental, educational and
cultural activities and projects.
Our socio-economic impact and contribution on a local, regional, and national level by creating job opportunities and
economic growth, was distinctly reflected in the results of a relevant study undertaken in 2008/9 by the Athens University
of Economics and Business. The results show that the total economic impact of Athens International Airport amounts
to 2.1% of Greece’s GDP, while 63,000 jobs are created. These results are indicative of the income and employment
generated in the national economy, from the airport’s contribution in improving business productivity and attracting
foreign investment and incoming tourism.
For consistently promoting transparency in our sustainability disclosures for a second consecutive year, we ranked 4th
among the 100 largest Greek companies in the AccountabilityTM Rating Greece survey. In addition, this year’s CR Report
was submitted to an assurance audit, in line with the acknowledged best practice that we have been implementing as
of 2007. The assurance process was enhanced this year by complementing the data verification with a materiality check
and a stakeholder engagement element. The outcome of the audit adds value to our reporting process, and enables our
readers to entrust in our disclosures.
Our commitment towards sustainability became more global in 2008, as we joined the United Nations “Global Compact”
initiative and pledged our commitment to supporting and advancing the “Ten Principles” within our sphere of influence.
At the end of this report, you will find a special section, as part of our commitment to the UN cause.
The Airport Company has had a very successful year in 2008, and is now facing the challenges of 2009 with confidence,
as we are convinced that an economic recession can prove to be an opportunity to focus on the essence of Corporate
Responsibility, with realism and tangible actions.
Loukas K. Papazoglou Dr Yiannis N. Paraschis
