Turkish national carrier Turkish Airlines (THY) said they have not given their final decision on a possible acquisition of Irish Aer Lingus.
The THY statement comes one day after reports that the flier may be a potential bidder for Aer Lingus. Sunday Business Post floated this claim just days after rival Irish airline Ryanair made a surprise buyout bid. THY did not; however, decline these reports.
Turkish Airlines is assessing Ireland’s 75-year-old former flag carrier and is “very interested,” sources indicated. It is one
of several international airlines looking at Aer Lingus, according to the report. Abu Dhabi’s Etihad, which already owns a 3 percent stake, has long been cited in the media as a possible bidder for the government’s 25 percent stake. Turkish Airlines, which can only hold a 49 percent stake in Aer Lingus because it is based outside the European Union, could buy the government’s stake or form a partnership with another airline, said the sources. Both THY and Etihad view Dublin as a potential hub through which passengers could be routed to the Far East and beyond, noted the report. Aer Lingus declined to comment on the report, while a spokesman for THY was not available for comment.
Source Zaman.
