Aircraft, casino up for sale
Greece’s state asset sale plans for 2011 include the disposal of four airplanes and a stake in a casino, according to the Finance Ministry. The government will complete the sale of four Airbus 340 aircraft in the first quarter of the year and will sell its 49 percent stake in the Mont Parnes Casino in the second quarter of the year, according to the ministry. The country also plans to extend the Athens International Airport (AIA) concession and sell a 65 percent stake in state-run natural gas company DEPA. Earlier this week, German airport operator Fraport said it would be interested in investing in AIA if Greece decided to reduce its holding in the airport. The Greek state will also subsequently seek strategic investors to buy unspecified parts in its 99.81 percent stake in Hellenic Defense Systems SA, rail operator Trainose, which is wholly state-owned, and the Larco mining company, in which the state has a 55.19 percent stake.