![]() Greek government debt-crisis impact (2009–2013) The first scheduled A380 flight took place on 26 October 2012 by Emirates. The first ever A380 to visit 'Eleftherios Venizelos' Athens International Airport made an emergency landing on 13 April 2011 for emergency medical reasons. The airport has received approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency and the Federal Aviation Administration for take-offs and landings of the biggest passenger jet worldwide, the A380. Its major features include two parallel runways being 4 km (2.5 mi) and 3.8 km (2.4 mi) long respectively. The airport officially opened on 28 March 2001. The airport construction was completed five months before schedule, but was delayed opening a month due to surface connections to Attiki Odos not being completed. That same year, the €2.1 billion development finally began with an estimated completion date of February 2001. (AIA) was established as a Public–private partnership with a 30-year concession agreement. In 1996, Athens International Airport S.A. with the then government launching an international tender for the selection of a build-own-operate-transfer partner for the airport project, with Hochtief of Germany being selected. However, the city presented the project that was eventually the winner for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. However, after delays and slow development, the project was revived in 1991, approximately 1 year after the city lost the right to host the 1996 Summer Olympics to Atlanta, USA and the possibility of submitting a bid for the 2000 Game was discussed. Athens Airport SA, a state-owned company, was established in 1978 to proceed with the plans. Studies for a new airport had been carried out from as early as the 1970s, with as many as 19 different locations being looked at before an area close to the town of Spata was chosen as suitable. The airport was constructed to replace the now-closed Athens (Ellinikon) International Airport, as the latter had reached its saturation point with no physical space for further growth. Currently, private investors include the Copelouzos Group (5%) and PSP Investments of Canada (40%), following purchase of Hochtief's shares. and ownership is divided between the Hellenic Republic (Greek State) and Private Sector in a 55%-45% stake following a PPP scheme for the airport company. ![]() As to-date, the airport is operated by AIA S.A. The airport is named after Elefthérios Venizélos, the prominent Cretan political figure and Prime Minister of Greece, who made a significant contribution to the development of Greek aviation and the Hellenic Air Force in the 1930s. This event celebrates traditional music, art and food in a setting 23km south of Heraklion, with renowned musician Ross Daly and his Lavyrinth Musical Workshop the driving forces behind the event.Terminal VOR/DME at Athens International AirportĪIA is located between the towns of Markopoulo, Koropi, Spata and Loutsa, about 20 km (12 mi) to the east of central Athens (30 km (19 mi) by road, due to intervening hills). Heraklion FestivalĪ series of concerts, dances and drama events are put on under the shadow of Heraklion’s medieval walls during this festival. Look out for the events put on at Dafnés in the first half of July and Arhánes in mid-August. Wine FestivalsĬretan wine production centres on Heraklion, and a number of villages in the surrounding hills throw wine festivals that feature free tastings and a variety of exhibits. This Easter-time blessing takes place on the border of Réthymno and Haniá provinces, and sees shepherds bring hundreds of sheep to the village church where they are blessed and milked, with spectators given the milk to sample. Heraklion’s Carnival may well have been overtaken in reputation by the offering in Réthymno, but this party remains a great occasion where masquers parade and party along the streets.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |