European airport operators Aeroports de Paris and the Schiphol Group have announced their intention to create a long-term industrial co-operation alliance and will enter into an 8% cross-shareholding agreement to create an influential player in the airports industry.

Aeroports de Paris, the state-controlled owner of Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports near Paris, said that second-quarter sales rose 12 percent, helped by aviation fees and revenue from restaurants and boutiques.

French airport group Aeroports de Paris has reported passenger traffic of 6.4 million for the month of January 2008, an increase of 1.8% compared to January 2007.

France-based construction company Vinci has acquired a 3.3% stake in the French government-owned airport operator Aeroports de Paris, as part of its long-term goal to expand in airports.

By Nicola Clark In Paris, Nicola Clark describes a new airport service that may help with jet lag.