CAPA: Traffic is oriented heavily towards Europe - especially Western Europe - presently, with less than 20000 seats available weekly to North America, and less than 4000 to Southeast Asia despite there being a large Greek diaspora in both regions. Hellenic Imperial Airlines has plans to establish a network of over 40 destinations over the next few years on several continents. What impact is it expected to have?
AIA: ... During the last four years, Hellenic Imperial Airways has been operating charter flights, accommodating traffic for big athletic events i.e. World Cup 2010) or other events, festivities, etc of limited duration. As of Jun-2011 they have embarked on a major endeavour, which is the launch of long-haul operations out of Athens to New York; to a market, that is, which is very competitive, but, at the same time, where there is large Greek diaspora. And they have announced a series of other developments to take place within 2011 and 2012. Athens International Airport has welcomed this positive development; committed to our risk-sharing philosophy and to assisting our airline-partners we have offered Hellenic Imperial the Additional Long-Haul Incentive provided to any airline launching long-haul services out of Athens, and we wish them every success. It is, however, premature, at this stage, to forecast on any medium- and long-term impact.
