Brussels, 23/11/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 22 November, the European Commission opened an in-depth investigation into possible aid granted by the German Land of Saxony to DHL and Leipzig/Halle airport. Saxony is the major shareholder in of this airport. The aid in question was dispensed through the financing of the new southern runway and financial guarantees endorsed by Saxony. The airport extension was linked to the decision taken by the express parcel service DHL - a subsidiary of Deutsche Post - to make Leipzig/Halle its European express parcel hub. The Commission fears that additional aid to what it has already authorised (see EUROPE 8690) could distort competition in the European express parcel market. A preliminary assessment has revealed that the revenues from the southern runway might not be sufficient to cover the additional costs or to provide for remuneration for the capital invested by Saxony that would be expected by a market investor. The Commission also has doubts over the conditions under which the Land of Saxony's financial guarantee allows DHL to operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week. (cd)