Air China knocking on Austrian’s door
BEIJING – Speculation persists that Air China is looking at making a bid for Star Alliance partner Austrian Airlines.
A CA spokesperson told Air Transport World that the Beijing-based carrier recently sent a senior management and financial adviser of China International Capital Corp to visit Austrian, which last week recommended that the government move forward with privitisation.
The CA spokesperson would not confirm that the visit was related to a possible bid for Austrian.
CA chairman Kong Dong told media at the recent Star meeting in Cairo that he considered acquisition of a stake in OS a possibility. But he said there would be considerable research into potential synergies before a decision was made.
“Unless our bid can be conducive to our marketing efforts and enhancing our brand value, we won’t do it,” he said.
Later, the airline clarified Kong’s statement, saying he was expressing “friendly concern” for Austrian and that “so far the company’s senior management has held no talks, nor has the board received any plan”.
Air China plans to launch a daily Vienna service in October 2009.
Ian Jarrett
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