The Chinese consortium consisting of Friedmann Pacific Asset Management Ltd (FPAM) and Shenzhen Airport (Group) Co announced their interest in becoming the principal shareholders of the Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos and taking over the management.
FPAM’s CEO, Eric Cheng confirmed the interest of the Chinese investors in the upcoming privatization of AIA. He added that the consortium has a certain investment plan but he refused to disclose any further details.
Mr. Cheng explained that the consortium had conducted several previous meetings with the Greek government in order to officially express interest in participating in AIA’s privatization process. He also clarified that the consortium is highly interested in becoming the principal shareholder of AIA.
Friedmann Pacific Asset Management Ltd is an investment firm with a strong presence in infrastructure projects and aircraft leases.
The consortium intends to boost further, the position of Athens International Airport by attracting airlines from SE Asia, passengers and cargo and establishing direct flights between Greece and China. This business plan offers new perspectives to Greece’s economy.
AIA currently serves 12 million passengers. The Chinese consortium has an ambition of increasing the number of passengers from 12 million, to 50 million. This of course, can be achieved only by cashing a large amount of money, something that the consortium seems willing to do.
The Chinese investors have already expressed their interest in submitting an official bid when the Hellenic Real Asset Development Fund (HRADF) begins the relevant tender for Athens airport, in order to acquire the share currently held by Hochtief.
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