Mumbai: Government will invite Expression of Interest (EOI) within the next one month for leasing of the four metro airports.

Admitting that there has been a delay, the civil aviation secretary K Roy Paul on December 3 said, "some legal issues had to be sorted out and the process of leasing, delayed by six months, is now expected to be completed by September 30, 2003".

As part of equity, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems and security would be with the government while the airports will be leased out to any foreign party.

"There is no blanket restriction on entities applying but whoever is entrusted in the job will have to be security cleared by the government, Paul, told reporters.

On leasing out smaller airports, Paul said the private sector could participate in the maintenance and manning of these buildings (airports) while ATC and security and operational areas will under government control.

There are about 66 airports in the country, most of them running at a loss, he added.

On the progress of the Indian Airlines board decision to acquire 43 Airbus aircraft, Paul said it was in an advanced stage and the "pre-public investment board exercise is on".

Asked if it was a wise decision by the IA board to go for an all Airbus fleet, Paul said, "The government has to take a decision. It will be up to the Cabinet to approve or modify the order" and declined to comment further.

PTI