This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

100817Z Feb 05

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ATHENS 000428 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR EB/TRA AND IO/T 
FAA FOR AIA-100 
ROME FOR FAA JOYNER 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/09/2115 
TAGS: EAIR AORC ECPS PTER GR AMB IASA
SUBJECT: MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION ON CIVAIR ISSUES: FAA CATEGORY TWO STATUS AND PRIVATIZATION OF OLYMPIC AIRWAYS 
 
 
Classified By: Ambassador CPRies reasons 1.4 (B,D). 
 
SUMMARY 
 
¶1. (C)  Ambassador Ries called on Minister of Transportation and Communication Michalis Liapis on February 7.  During the meeting, Liapis told Ambassador that upgrading Greece from Federal Aviation Authority's (FAA) "category two status" for flight safety oversight remains his highest priority. He pointed out that Greece now has legislation that would incorporate all of ICAO's directives into national law and has hired and trained 38 flight safety inspectors. Liapis believes that Greece is now prepared for a formal FAA International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) inspection. Ambassador cautioned that the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) must be in compliance with all International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards before an IASA inspection can take place. 
 
¶2. (C)  Liapis explained that the timing of an IASA assessment would have some bearing on the success of GoG's impeding privatization of Olympic Airlines over the next two months.  Liapis said that he reached an informal agreement with EU Commissioner Barrot that any fines that may be imposed by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for past GOG subsidies to Olympic would not not be borne by the airline's buyer. Other issues raised during Ambassador's meeting - transportation security and internet penetration in Greece - reported septel.  End Summary. 
 
FAA AND FLIGHT SAFETY OVERSIGHT 
 
¶3. (C) In a February 7 meeting with Ambassador Ries, Minister of Transportation and Communication Michalis Liapis discussed the GoG's efforts to "graduate" the HCAA from FAA's "category two" rating for flight safety oversight.  Liapis declared this to be his "number one priority" and reported that, in accordance with the FAA's recommendations, a law has been passed to incorporate all ICAO directives into national legislation (i.e. giving them legal effect domestically) and that an adequate number of flight safety inspectors have been hired, trained and credentialed. He further maintained that U.S. consulting firm SH and E, (which is assisting the HCAA in implementing ICAO flight safety oversight standards) believes that the FAA,s concerns have been addressed, and that Greece is now ready for a formal IASA inspection by the FAA. 
 
¶4. (C)  The Ambassador stressed the importance of the HCAA fulfilling all ICAO conditions before an IASA inspection takes place.  Ambassador and Minister Liapis concurred that it was crucial that Greece to be ready to "pass" the formal FAA inspection when it takes place, otherwise, another assessment could be delayed indefinitely.  Ambassador cautioned the Minister also not to prejudge the outcome of an inspection in the press.  A chagrined Liapis admitted "I have learned by lesson on this." 
 
PRIVATIZATION OF OLYMPIC AIRWAYS/AIRLINES 
 
¶5. (C) Liapis explained that the timing of an IASA assessment would have a bearing on the outcome of the privatization of the Olympic Airways/Airlines. Greece's category two status - combined with the fact that the government faces a 200 million euro ECJ lawsuit for unauthorized subsidies to the airline - has discouraged potential investors.  (Note: In order to attract potential investors, the original parastatal "Olympic Airways" was split into two companies in 2003: "Olympic Airlines" and "Olympic Airways". "Olympic Airways inherited the majority of "old" Olympic Airways debts - over 500 million euros - as well as obligations, employees and unprofitable ground and cargo operations, while a leaner (but not lean) "Olympic Airlines took over the aircraft, crew and flight operations.) 
 
¶6.  (C) According to Liapis, the government is attempting to sell the new Olympic Airlines by the end of April, with the first non-binding bids due by February 14.  Liapis explained that he had recently reached an agreement with EU Commissioner for Transport Jacques Barrot that any impending resolution by the Commission (based on the ECJ's judgment) would not affect the sale of Olympic Airlines, and any fine imposed by the ECJ would be borne by the GoG and the "old" Olympic Airways.  Liapis stressed that the EC has been "forward looking" on this matter and has tried to help Greece make the new airline more attractive to potential investors. 
 
Comment 
 
¶7. (C)  We understand from our contacts with the U.S. firm "SH and E" (technical consultants to HCAA) and the FAA that Liapis is now prepared to formally request an IASA inspection.  We are hearing the right things from our contacts about the HCAA,s state of readiness, but we will continue to keep the pressure on the Ministry of Transportation and HCAA to be fully prepared.  8. (C)  We are skeptical about GoG's ability to carry out the privatization of Olympic Airlines by the end of April, however.  Despite the restructuring, the "new" Olympic Airlines is reportedly still operating at a loss (23 million euros for 2003) and so far, investor interest in the company has been modest.  Nonetheless, we fully understand the government's concern about removing at least one obstacle to privatization - Greece's category two status - as soon as possible.  End Comment. 
RIES