Manchester Airports Group is bidding to run Sofia airport in Bulgaria.
The bid by the owner of Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports will be supported by Chinese construction giant BCEG.
The Bulgarian government started a process to find bidders for the concession to operate the airport in Sofia in July.
MAG and a team of local advisers have spent more than two years analysing the potential of Sofia airport. This is the first consortium to confirm its participation.
BCEG is working with MAG on its £1 billion Airport City UK construction project in Manchester. The firm’s involvement will bring new opportunities for collaboration between Bulgaria and China.
MAG chief executive Charlie Cornish said: “Airports bring the world closer together and act as significant economic catalysts for both the regional and national economies in which they operate, and we hope to be given the opportunity to deliver to the people of Bulgaria the world class global gateway that they deserve.
“We have already undertaken a considerable amount of work in relation to this opportunity and have a clear vision as to how we will deliver a passenger experience and global route network for Sofia airport that is comparable to other top tier airports around the world.
“We want to deliver direct international connectivity to Bulgaria to stimulate tourism and economic growth.
“At the same time, MAG recognises the importance that the communities surrounding our airports place on the airport being able to grow without increasing environmental impacts.
“MAG’s belief is that when MAG airports prosper, the communities around its airports should also prosper.
“We have prioritised our international development activity to focus on Sofia airport which would be one of the ‘jewels in our crown’ and our most significant overseas investment to date.”
“We are delighted to be partnering with BCEG on our concession bid. Our partnership together on Airport City UK is thriving. We bring a full skill set to Sofia – our commercial and operational experience and BCEG’s extensive construction skills and ability to deliver to the highest quality and standards.”
Transport secretary Chris Grayling said: “MAG has invested heavily in its airports in the UK and has seen consistent, sustainable growth.
“I am pleased to support their bid to share this success at Sofia airport and a trusted airport operator like MAG is the right company to be investing in Bulgaria as Britain seeks to strengthen its economic ties”