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Representatives of the management of the "Eleftherios Venizelos" Airport in Athens claim that it can become a key player in flights to Asia. They report the first signs of improvement in the climate since many airlines are expected to start in the coming summer season flights to and from Athens. An additional cause for moderate optimism is an agreement recently signed with Qatar Airways.
 
At the same time, sources reject the probability of reducing airport charges and claim that there are sufficient incentives to encourage the continuation of the airlines’ flights programmes.

They determine the presence of Qatar Airways as a guarantee for attracting new partners, report significant shrinkage of the domestic market and admit that the competition for profitable domestic flights has increased after Cyprus Airways has entered the market. Along with that, they expect the government to take actions for the sale of the 30% state share in the airport and the renewal of the concession contract.

"The events are developing fast. We are seeing huge reallocations in air transport and the global economy, in which the "new world" is growing rapidly," representatives of the company note, pointing out that Asia has already reached the passenger flow of Europe, which is 1.5 billion.

"The number of passengers is expected to reach 4.5 billion in 2030. Under these conditions, the number of people travelling between Asia and Europe will reach 130 million over the next 15 years up from the 60 million today," the airport representatives add.

These reallocations exert serious pressure on airlines and many of the major players are forced to leave their traditional markets in the West. At the same time, however, they cannot compete with the new airlines that seek strategic positions under these new conditions.

The representatives of Athens airport give as an example the fact that four flights have been carried out from Athens to the Middle East: Doha, Dubai and Qatar every day since 2005. In this way, there are 50 connections to Asia and Australia and the companies operating them offer much better services and at competitive prices compared with traditional airlines. In parallel, the flights of European airlines to Asia fell by 35% in 2012 in favour of the corresponding increase of flights of Asian airlines.

The airlines from the Gulf countries are expected to become leaders in long-haul flights, because they have ordered a large number of the most modern aircraft, which wins the competition with traditional airlines due to its potential and fuel consumption.

"The Emirates Company has the largest fleet for long-haul flights in the world. This shows a dynamism in Asia and a lagging behind in Europe," they point out. Moreover, the traditional players are cornered so much that they are no longer able to maintain lines, which bring only seasonal profits. This requires sharp changes in routes and airports should have a very flexible policy in this regard. "The most aggressive are the low cost airlines that change or suspend flights every week."

The first signs of improvement

"Eleftherios Venizelos" airport reports improvements in the negative image of Greece. "Compared to last year, the situation is improving each passing month despite the reduction in flights." They emphasize the need for the government to focus on Athens because it is crucial for the appraisal of the country in general.

The successful agreement with Qatar Airways

The arrangement with Qatar Airways is determined as one of the most important steps as the competition involved many competing airports. "The taking of the flights of the Athens - New York destination by Qatar Airways is a sign of confidence in the Greek economy," the representatives of the airport state, adding that this is a market involving 700 thousand passengers. According to them, even when the companies Delta, Continental and the old Olympic Airways operated the direct flights, 50% of the passengers arrived at Athens with intermediate flights.

The withdrawal of airlines

The representatives of "Eleftherios Venizelos" claim to have tried hard to convince Singapore Airlines to retain their flights from Athens airport but the company replied that they were determined to focus on the most important markets because they would not be able to compete with the new airlines.

According to them, the majority of the companies that have withdrawn "came in the period of the strong development of the airport" and the impact on the domestic market accelerated their withdrawal.

The domestic market and the renewal of the concession contract

According to the representatives of Athens airport, Cyprus Airlines have a dynamic presence after they have secured a market share of 20 to 25% with three domestic flights.

"It is very important that there is a stable and strong airline to develop at the airport" was their comment on the new attempted merger between Olympic Air and Aegean.

The airport is anticipating the government actions for the sale of 30% from the stake of "Eleftherios Venizelos". So far, they have no information about the intentions of the new management company, Hochtief, regarding the renewal of the contract for the operation of the airport, adding that it might not be among its priorities.

The management of "Eleftherios Venizelos" does not hide its interest in airports in other regions of Greece but it is now awaiting the announcement of the terms and conditions for their privatization.