Athens International Airport achieves highest aircraft movements record ever August 12th, 2004

Athens International Airport achieves highest aircraft movements record ever on August 12th, 2004
Yesterday, Thursday August 12th 2004, one day before the Opening Ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, Athens International Airport handled a total of 795 movements, achieving the highest number of aircraft movements ever. This new record surpassed by 17% the record number of 676 movements, operated on August 31st, 2001.

Analytically, the airport handled 557 scheduled, 33 charter, 33 cargo, and 98 GA flights, as well as 74 other types of flights.

It is noteworthy that, during the highest peak hour (16:00-17:00), the number of aircraft movements amounted to 53 (1 movement per 1.1 minute).

Furthermore, arrivals punctuality rates were very satisfactory during the day, despite the large volume of aircraft movements. More specifically, 83% of yesterday’s flights arrived on time, exceeding considerably last August’s average rate 78%. This high performance reflects the efficient operation of airport and air traffic control systems.

According to preliminary passenger figures, the number of passengers that passed through Athens International Airport yesterday, reached 58,332 (32,496 arriving and 25,836 departing passengers). The number was of arriving passengers was another record for Athens International Airport, exceeding the previous record number of 30,030 arriving passengers, achieved on August 18th, 2001.

The number of Olympic Family members that passed through Athens International Airport yesterday, amounted to 2,288 (sponsors not included). To date, Athens International Airport has welcomed a total of 26,066 Olympic Family members (sponsors not included), since the first Olympic Family member arrival on July 12th.

It is worth noting that, during the day, Athens International Airport welcomed a number of Heads of States, members of Royal Families, and VIPs.

Mr. Alfred van der Meer, Chief Executive Officer of Athens International Airport, stated: “On August 12th, 2004, Athens International Airport achieved a new record in aircraft movements. The successful handling of yesterday’s peak was achieved thanks to the timely and thorough operational planning, as well as to the coordinated effort of all airport community employees, and the Organising Committee “Athens 2004”.