Athens Airport, Aegean Airlines Hit Back At Ryanair

Athens International Airport (ΑΙΑ) and Greek carrier Aegean Airlines issued statements shortly after Irish low-cost airline Ryanair gave a press conference in Athens during which the company described AIA’s pricing policy as “very expensive” and said the Greek carrier was a monopoly.

AIA: We offer 30-77 percent discounts on airport charges

Athens Airport invited Ryanair to expand in Athens and take advantage of the incentive for new markets (77 percent discount per passenger on airport charges) and the incentive for the launch of domestic routes (up to 34 percent discount per passenger on airport charges).

The airport noted that it would also continue its policy of targeted incentives for the winter 2013-2014 season. The incentives include discounts from 30 to 77 percent on airport charges.

In addition, AIA said it has an “excellent” cooperation with low-cost carriers and noted that Athens Airport operates on a specific business model, like all international metropolitan airports.

“A business model that is based on developing and maintaining long term relationships with carriers,” AIA said.

Aegean: All are welcome as long as we all pay the same taxes

On its part, Aegean Airlines noted that the Greek air market is open and accessible to all and any European company as long as all “pay the same taxes and charges.”

Aegean accused Ryanair of misinforming the Greek market in an attempt to obtain special tax treatment and exemptions.

The airline underlined that it is fair that low cost companies such as Ryanair and Easyjet have grown in recent years as they provide more options to consumers.

“The further development, either domestically or internationally, is equally fair as long as we all compete on an equal footing,” Aegean said.

“If the government’s strategy includes reducing taxes and fees then this should benefit the entire aviation market without discrimination that create distortions,” the Greek carrier concluded.