Airline Finance News - Europe

AirGuide Business, Sept 1, 2008

Austrian Airlines

British Airways has logged its interest in the sale of a stake in Austrian Airlines, Austrian daily Die Presse said in an article to be published on Saturday, giving no further details. Austrian state holding company OeIAG is offering its 43 percent holding in Austrian Airlines, worth around EUR157 million euros, though the size of the offer may change as a 25 percent stake must remain under the control of Austrian investors. British Airways declined to confirm or deny the report. "We don't comment on rumour or speculation," a spokeswoman said. Germany's Lufthansa and Russia's second biggest airline S7 have both already said they have registered their interest in taking a stake. According to media reports, Air France-KLM, Air China and Turkish Airlines have also notified the state holding of their interest. All interested parties need to present their concepts by September 12 to the state holding company, which will then draw up a shortlist, according to an OeIAG spokesman. Aug 29, 2008

Austrian Airlines

At least five airline operators have logged their interest in buying a stake in Austrian Airlines, Austrian daily Die Presse reported on Tuesday. Aside from Lufthansa and Russia's number 2 airline S7, which have both stated their interest, Air France-KLM, Air China and Turkish Airlines had also notified Austrian state holding company OeIAG of their interest before the deadline expired on Sunday, the daily reported. OeIAG is offering its 43 percent holding in Austrian, worth around EUR157 million euros, though the size of the offer may change as a 25 percent stake must remain under control of Austrian citizens or companies. Aug 26, 2008

Austrian Airlines

Austrian Airlines Group announced the flotation of 57.1 million new bearer shares. Subscription period begins today and ends Sept. 8. New shares will be issued with full subscription rights of the existing shareholders, and those shares not allocated to existing shareholders will be allocated to Mohamed bin Iassa Al-Jaber in an amount corresponding to 20% of the company's shares after taking into consideration the subscription rights exercised by existing shareholders, AAG said. Al-Jaber pulled out of his deal to invest in OS in May, but the company said last week that it "will abide by the contractual agreements and the resolutions passed by the annual shareholders' meeting that provide for a capital increase to be carried out." It said failure to implement the capital increase would "represent a breach of contract." It said it was unsure whether Al-Jaber would participate. Aug 25, 2008

British Airways, Alitalia.

British Airways could be interested along with Air France KLM and Lufthansa, La Repubblica newspaper said on Sunday, just over a week after an industry source said the carrier would not consider a partnership with Alitalia. On Sunday, British Airways said it did not comment on speculation. The Italian investors could offer EUR300 million to EUR350 million euros for the Alitalia assets which would form the core of a revitalized airline, as part of an investment which could total EUR1 billion. Aug 31, 2008