MAG has entered a bid to operate Sofia Airport in Bulgaria for the next 35 years.

Along with its consortium partner BCEG, the Chinese construction giant, MAG submitted its formal bid to the transport ministry in Sofia.

The competitive concession process was started in July last year by the Bulgarian government, and MAG had been expected to participate after announcing its intention at a press conference in Sofia in October.

MAG already operates three major airports in the UK at Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands and provides services to six airports in the United States.

Its UK airports serve over 60 million passengers per year, to over 270 destinations via 70 airlines.

It is currently investing over £1.5 billion in its airports in the UK, while BCEG is currently building one of the largest aviation projects in the world: Beijing Daxing International Airport.

The later will be the world’s largest airport and recently completed its first test flights.

The Anglo-Chinese consortium’s submission to the government includes significant plans for the redevelopment and reconfiguration of existing terminals at the airport, as well as designs for a brand new third terminal which, when complete, will ensure Sofia has an airport fit for its position as a European capital city.

Andrew Harrison, chief executive, airport services, MAG said: “As we promised last year, MAG has made its formal submission to the Bulgarian government.

“It is an exciting moment for us, as we truly believe that Sofia Airport has enormous potential to deliver further connectivity for Sofia.

“This in turn will help stimulate additional economic growth and tourism throughout Bulgaria.”

MAG’s unique ownership structure comprises a blend of both Manchester city council and the Greater Manchester local authorities and long-term private investors (IFM Investors) representing a true public-private partnership.