Finance ministry denies Helios meeting

The finance ministry issued a strongly worded denial on Thursday of news reports saying the Finance Minister Michalis Sarris had been in meetings with senior managers of Helios Airways over collaboration with EuroCypria.

The government recently decided to buy EuroCypria, the profitable 100% subsidiary of the troubled national carrier, Cyprus Airways.

Since both Helios and EuroCypria use Boeing aircraft, reports had suggested that the two airlines were considering sharing facilities and or flights.

“The Ministry of Finance wishes to announce that no such meeting took place. Therefore, the news reports have no basis in fact,” the finance ministry said in a statement.