 However, after delays and slow development, the project was revived in 1991 with the then government launching an international tender for the selection of a build-own-operate-transfer partner for the airport project, with Hochtief of Germany being selected.In 1996, "Athens International Airport S.A." (AIA) was established as a Public–private partnership with a 30-year concession agreement.That same year, the €2.1 billion development finally began with an estimated completion date of February 2001.