French carrier seizes Crossair aircraft

Airline Industry Information, Dec 17, 2001

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2001 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

French regional carrier Air Lib has impounded an aircraft belonging to the Swiss airline Crossair.

Officials from Air Lib boarded the Basel-bound flight in Nice, France and told the pilot that the aircraft was impounded. The 18 passengers and four crew took a later Crossair flight to Geneva, The Associated Press reported.

Holco, a French holding company that owns Air Lib, said the aircraft was seized to help the company recover FRF400m that it claims is owed by Swissair Group, the collapsed former parent of both airlines.

Crossair meanwhile has claimed that the seizure was illegal according to French law. A spokeswoman said that Air Lib and Crossair officials were due to meet in Paris today (17 December) to discuss the issue.

The Swiss carrier has said that it will continue flying to French airports despite the incident.

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