Cyprus Airways President Stavros Stavrou appeared cautiously optimistic over a deal with a Chinese investment company for the acquisition of Cyprus` national air carrier.

Earlier today, Cyprus Airways announced that a Chinese company, Beijing Yi Xiang Da Investment Co Ltd, expressed interest for the acquisition of Cyprus air carrier. “Even though indications for a deal with the above company appear to be encouraging there is no specific agreement to announce for the time being,” Cyprus Airways said in a press release.

“We are optimistic that we may be able to conclude an agreement in principle,” Stavrou told CNA, adding that Cyprus Airways has had already two meetings with the Chinese investment firm.

“There are prospects and if everything goes well we believe that we are probably close to a deal,” he added, noting that “there is distance to be covered.”

Responding to a question whether the Chinese company has set any conditions, Stavrou said in any negotiation positions are put forward by both sides.

He also said that Beijing Yi Xiang Da Investment Co is not the only company that requested financial data from Cyprus Airways. “We have sent figures and had discussions with many interested investors,” he said.

“Now we are closer but there is distance to be covered until the signing of the deal,” Stavrou concluded