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Last update - 29/11/2007
Athens Will Host the Representatives of General Aviation
from 66 Countries in June 2008
The International Council of AOPA has decided to assign the organization of the next World Assembly to AOPA Hellas and has chosen Athens as the venue for the June 2008 World Assembly. Given the recognition of IAOPA in the international stage of General Aviation, this event should be recognized as one of significant importance that will result in great benefits to the General Aviation in Greece.
The Greek candidacy for the assignment of the 2008 World Assembly began at the 115th European Regional Meeting of IAOPA at Warsaw, in September 2006 (see http://www.aopa.gr/gr/newsdetails.asp?NEWS_ID=51). In that meeting, AOPA Hellas submitted its candidacy and received the unanimous support of all European members. The decision was greatly influenced by the written support of important allies and sponsors including AirBP, Aegean Airlines and SETE (see http://www.aopa.gr/gr/newsdetails.asp?NEWS_ID=50). The final announcement to assign the organization of the World Assembly to Greece was made just a few days ago by Phil Boyer, President of IOAPA ( See Phil Boyer’s letter to the President of AOPA Hellas).
The Greek Government has already indicated its support. Prior to the Warsaw meeting, Transportation Minister, Michael Liapis, placed the organization of the Athens World Assembly under the auspices of the Greek Transportation Ministry in a personal letter to Phil Boyer (see http://www.aopa.gr/docs/liapis_fax.gif). The Minister of Greek Tourism Development, Fani Petralia, also submitted a letter of support (see http://www.aopa.gr/gr/newsdetails.asp?NEWS_ID=53).
There were four basic reasons that the Board of Directors of AOPA Hellas decided to seek the organization of the 2008 World Assembly:
- To induce the Greek Authorities to recognize the value and contributions of General Aviation to transportation.
- To utilize the time period between now and June 2008 as a unique opportunity to introduce General Aviation to the Greek public.
- To work with the Greek Authorities for legislative changes that promote General Aviation and provide the necessary financial support.
- To promote the image of Greek airports to other European countries by making them a friendlier and more affordable destination for private aviators, which will result in significant benefits to air tourism and the general economy.
AOPA Hellas will try to collaborate and seek the support of every Organization and Government Agency in Greece. We ask for the active engagement of all our members, friends and Flying Schools. Finally, we recognize that success of the 2008 World Assembly cannot be achieved without the support and sponsoring by the Aviation Industry.
Safe Landings,
Yiouli Kalafati
For the Board of AOPA Hellas
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