Greece's flag carrier Olympic Airlines (OA) has decided to appeal to the European Court of Justice over the European Commission's ruling that the state aid to the carrier was illegal, senior Greek official disclosed here on Monday.

Greek Transport and Communications Minister Michalis Liapis did not specify whether the Greek government would also appeal last week's decision by the EU, which could push the OA into financial collapse.

The European Commission ruled last Wednesday that Olympic Airlines and its predecessor Olympic Airways unfairly benefited from around 700 million euros (850 million US dollars) in illegal subsidies during the past several years.

At a cabinet meeting Monday, Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said the government's aim is to ensure a viable solution for Olympic.

"Our main goals are to ensure workers' rights, subsidized air flights to Greek islands, ensuring healthy competition and a viable solution for the company," he said.

Karamanlis said the problem must be resolved in the framework of the country's commitments and according to public interest, EU rules and the principles of new governance promoted by the government.

Government sources said all scenarios were open for Olympic Airlines, including the participation of the State to any possible new company form.

Source: Xinhua