Aspris explained that the invitation would be issued not only in Cyprus but also abroad, in an attempt to drum up investor interest. “Investors looking into the deal will find that the two areas offer a number of attractive benefits, including being next to the two new airports, being a central hub for the eastern Mediterranean as well as host of potential business agreements,” said Aspris, stressing that Hermes goal was for the proposed investment to be viable and create new jobs.

“Making sure that we secure the best deal possible is our moral obligation to the country and society,” he said.

The bids for the old airport grounds are expected to be submitted by the end of 2015. This is not the first time Hermes and the government have tried to find an investor for the old airport grounds.

This will actually be the third attempt at capitalising on the unused areas abandoned after the new airports were built.

The old airport grounds are included in the airport operation contract has signed with the state, which expires in 2031. Last week it surfaced that the ministry was looking into extending the deal without first inviting a tender process, which drew criticism from both Attorney-General Costas Clerides and Auditor-General Odysseas Michaelides.

Source: Cyprus Mail