Germany’s largest carrier is apparently planning to spread its wings wide by acquiring new aircraft and two smaller airlines from the loss-making airberlin.
Lufthansa’s pending purchases come two months after airberlin filed for insolvency in response to Etihad’s (one of its shareholders) decision to decline any future financial support.
Following self-administration in August, airberlin’s boss said the carrier had entered negotiations with other companies, including Lufthansa, to acquire business units.
Image: airberlin/Facebook
These negotiations are allegedly nearing finalisation, and according to reports, include the sale of airberlin’s Austrian holiday airline, Niki; its regional carrier, LGW; and 20 additional aircraft, Financial Times reported.
Although there’s no official confirmation on the transaction figure, it’s believed to be close to €210m.
airberline’s Chief Executive, Thomas Winkelmann, welcomed Lufthansa’s acquisition interest, saying it’s a “big step forward”.
“However, we cannot breathe again until the EU-Commission finalises the transaction.”
Thomas Winkelmann, airberlin Chief Executive
Budget airline, Ryanair, has flagged competition concerns over Lufthansa’s partial acquisition of airberlin, saying it would need to be approved by EU regulatory bodies.
Meanwhile, airberlin is also reportedly in talks with easyJet, which is expected to buy around 20 to 30 aircraft.
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