French multinational Safran Group is reportedly examining the installation in Greece of a unit to repair, maintain and rebuild airplane and helicopter engines.

Government sources told Kathimerini negotiations were well along but that more talks are needed to finalize the deal, which would bring jobs to Greece as it hopes to pull out of the post-COVID Coronavirus lockdown period and get the economy going again.

The interest of the French group in Greece grew during the recent visits of top Greek and French officials to Paris and Athens along with business delegations from both countries, although France was said to be considering other countries too in the eastern Mediterranean for its clients, mainly carriers that use its engines as well as other electrical and mechanical equipment. Safran also wants the services for the defense sector, working with France's Naval Group, which will build the Belharra frigates Greece is considering buying to bolster its defense.