Athens Area Creates Air-Sea Link

Athens International Airport (AIA) and the Piraeus Port Authority (OLP), within the framework of further cargo development in Athens, signed an agreement last month for the development of a “sea-air” link between OLP and AIA.

Through this joint effort, OLP and AIA aim to create new cargo opportunities, via a multi-modal “sea-air” link, by implementing quicker, simpler, and internationally competitive procedures, attracting additional transit cargo to Athens, through a seamless link, AIA and Port of Piraeus being the transit points.

The joint agreement between OLP and AIA, valid as of April 1st 2006, includes accelerated handling procedures upon unloading of a ship at Piraeus, and the creation of a “bridge” between the Port of Piraeus and Athens International Airport through a direct truck-shuttle service, at favorable cost and handling terms.

The development of this new service builds on the conclusions of a relevant study prepared by the University of Piraeus, on behalf of AIA and OLP, aiming to evaluate the potential of sea-air cargo flows through Athens. According to the results of the study, routes originating from airports operating at maximum or having insufficient capacity to satisfy demand could be serviced through a multi-modal sea-air link.