The reality of Thessaloniki turned out better. Goldair said that if I can show an AOPA card on return, the rate will be as mentioned above. I have to say both approach and tower do a good job of intergrating SEP traffic with the airliners/charters. Overall, quite impressed with the airport and handling. BTW Skopje gets an A+ (might be a good location for a fly in). It’s not just the cheap avgas (1.1 EUR/liter), but the whole operation from approach to handing is quite friendly to GA, reasonably priced, and efficient. I also liked that they had briefing packs (both NOTAMs and Weather) prepared for me for my ongoing flight.
I flew to Thessaloniki 6 weeks ago and with an AOPA card for the Comanche we paid 38 euros for the week for parking and handling with Swissport.
I think it’s the same, my AOPA card says “Crew card”. Maybe check if Swissport is there too, or tell Goldair that you will use Swissport. I had a similar incident once, when (on the way to Crete) they accepted the Crew card and on the way back they wouldn’t. I simply refused to pay the 1xx Euros and told them to “go ahead and call the police” ;-), because they threatened to do so. Then I had a coffee. After 15 minutes they came and said “you don’t have to pay anything, get lost!”. Well, that was easy :-)
Don’t worry, normally once you’re there you can talk with them.
What exactly is an AOPA crew card? Is it different from a membership card?
I may be stuck, but I will never use them again if I have any choice in the matter. Some of this horseshit makes me want to sell the plane and never go near an airport except as a passenger again.
Goldair says the need 2 days notice for the lower rate.
Make sure you have a valid AOPA CREW CARD. That alone will reduce the handling fee to around € 25, but I think it has to be either Goldair or Swissport!
Am I required to hire a firm for handling? Was quoted 96 EUR by one. I have agreed with the flying club about hangarage. But what does “handling” mean in this case? Sending a marshaller out to me?
I’m beginning to wonder how good an idea this idea is in the summer heat! And the charges (and fuel costs) also kind of diminish enthusiasm!