No L 273/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 10. 94 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 7 October 1994 on the aid granted by Greece to Olympic Airways (Only the Greek text is authentic) (Text with EEA relevance) (94/696/EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to ‘the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular the first subparagraph of Article 93 (2) thereof, Having regard to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, and in particular subparagraph (a) of Article 62 (1) thereof, Having given notice to interested parties to submit their comments in accordance with the abovementioned Articles, and having regard to these comments, Whereas : THE FACTS Founded by Aristotle Onassis in 1956, Olympic Airways was made over in 1975 to the Greek State, which has since been the sole shareholder. This transaction was the subject of Greek Law No 96 of 26 June 1975. From the outset, Olympic Airways (hereinafter referred to as ‘OA’) was considered to be the Greek national carrier. Consequently, various obligations and duties were imposed on it, designed in particular to provide a good service over the whole of Greek territory and links to the main Greek communities in the world. In return, OA was given a monopoly in air transport, ground handling and maintenance. While the public service activities conferred on OA were redefined in 1981, 1982 and 1990, the monopolies enjoyed by the company were in part abolished by Presidential Decree No 276 of 17 June 1991, expect for handling and scheduled air services other than intra-Community services. OA is currently by far the leading air carrier in Greece. It has 11 520 employees and its turnover in 1992 and 1993 was Dr 182,5 billion and Dr 202 billion respectively (ECU 662 million and ECU 708 million). Together with its subsidiary Olympic Aviation, which operates the minor Greek domestic services, it has a fleet of 55 aircraft (34 belonging to OA itself; 21 turbo-prop belonging to Olympic Aviation) and 3 helicopters. The average age of OA’s 34 aircraft exceeds 11 years — one of the highest of any European airline. Olympic ‘Aviation’s fleet, however, is much more modern. The carriage of passengers accounts for 75 % of turnover and is by far the principal activity undertaken by the airline, ahead of handling (13 % of turnover), cargo (3 %), mail (1 %) and aircraft maintenance and overhaul. OA has a network comprising some 75 destinations around the world, 33 of which are in Greece. The domestic network is very complete, including all Greek Islands of any size. OA serves most major European cities from Greece. It has several services to the Middle East, a