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Athens International Airport
"Eleftherios Venizelos"

General

On July 31st, 1995, the Government of the Hellenic Republic and the private consortium led by HOCHTIEF Aktiengesellschaft (winner of the international tender for a strategic equity partner under a BOOT - Build, Own, Operate and Transfer - scheme) entered the Airport Development Agreement (ADA) with the joint aim to develop the new international airport at Spata by means of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

The Airport Development Agreement (ADA) establishes a 30-year concession ratified by Greek Law 2338/95 granting the Airport Company the exclusive right to occupy and use the site for the purpose of the "design, financing, construction, completion, commissioning, maintenance, operation, management and development of the airport".

The concession period was initiated in 1996 upon the establishment of "Diethnis Aerolimenas Athinon A.E.", a private legal entity formed under Greek company law as a societe anonyme that trades as "Athens International Airport S.A."(AIA) and "is managed and operated as a private sector 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. The Greek State holds 55% of AIA’s shares. The State's interests are jointly represented by the Ministers of Economy, and Transport & Communications. The private sector partner comprises three private shareholders, who collectively hold 45% of the Airport Company’s shares.

Milestones

• 1995 airport Development Agreement (ADA) signed
• 1996 foundation stone laying ceremony
• Sep 2000 completion of works
• Oct 2000 commencing of the 5month trial period
• Mar 2001 airport opening

[Source: A.I.A. / www.aia.gr]