Lufthansa set to take over Austrian Airlines
Österreichische Industrieholding AG (ÖIAG) said that it has chosen Lufthansa as the sole bidder for the remaining 41.6 percent stake in Austrian Airlines.
Lufthansa goes shopping — Alitalia, Austrian and now BMI
Right on the heels of the Delta-Northwest merger comes word that Lufthansa has acquired an 80 percent stake in British Midland Airways (BMI) for €400 million ($318 million). The German carrier purchased a 30 percent stake in BMI in 1999 and acquired the other 50 percent today from BMI Chairman Sir Michael Bishop.
Lufthansa considers Austrian Airlines buyout offer
Germany’s Lufthansa is considering offering a buyout to Austrian Airlines’ shareholders to take over the ailine carrier, according to Austria’s Takeover Commission. Lufthansa’s offering price can’t be less than 182 million euros or $234 million due to Austria’s Takeover code.
With oil at $75 a barrel, another airline lowers its fuel surcharge
Another airline is lowering its unpopular fuel surcharge. Lufthansa announced this morning it will reduce its energy fee by $3 to $100, depending on the route. The move follows several unofficial fuel surcharge reductions we reported earlier today.
International airline executive questions U.S. merger wisdom
If the Northwest Airlines brand disappears in a merger with Delta Air Lines, would that be a smart move? Not according to Christoph Franz, the chief executive of Swiss International Air Lines.
Astoundingly, some airlines make money
In case anyone has forgotten, Southwest Airlines made a profit once again — they have never lost money — so did Lufthansa and subsidiary Swiss International Air Lines.
All-business-class still alive
Even though Eos Airlines and MaxJet Airways have gone under, the all-business-class model still has legs as Silverjet, l’Avion and Lufthansa are out to prove.
Early-bird discounts for business class
Carriers are slashing prices as demand for business class seats sags along with the economy.
SWISS upgrades European fleet
In a stark contrast to U.S. legacy carriers bent on using airplanes until they are totally worn out, SWISS International Airlines is in a program of upgrading their European fleet.