Athens International Airport (AIA) said on Wednesday full-year 2007 pretax profit grew 33 percent to EUR127.5 million euros (USD$200 million) as passenger traffic increased to 16.5 million -- a new record.

AIA, 55 percent owned by the Greek government and 45 percent by German contractor Hochtief, is on the government's state divestment agenda.

Greece has said it wants to reduce its stake in AIA and take the company public on the Athens stock exchange but the plan has faced delays.

AIA CEO Yannis Paraschis has said the airport will build a 50,000 square metre exhibition and conference facility by 2009 and is also considering a second hotel there.