Air France-KLM among possible suitors for Malaysia Airlines
Air France-KLM is among the frontrunners hoping to buy a stake in struggling Malaysia Airlines.
Reuters reports Air France-KLM is carefully considering taking a 49% stake in the Kuala Lumpur-based carrier.
The Air France-KLM group is just one of five airlines interested in the flag carrier, which has struggled for the past five years since the disappearance of MH370.
According to people familiar with discussions, Japan Airlines is also prepared to take a 25% stake.
JAL entered a joint venture partnership with Malaysia Airlines last year and both are members of the oneworld airline alliance.
Other interested parties include domestic airlines AirAsia Group and Malindo Air, which is a part of Indonesia’s Lion Air Group.
"The bids from the foreign carriers are more comprehensive and strategic as both plan to capitalize on the strategic location of Malaysia for their operations," a source said.
"An international solution is probably better in this situation as AirAsia would have competition concerns. This is still a work in progress but the story is around the potential for a massive hub in Southeast Asia and it’s clear that international airlines see value in Malaysia Airlines because of this."
The Malaysian government hasn’t set a deadline for expressions of interest.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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