Aeroflot looks to buy European airlines

Russia’s legacy carrier, Aeroflot, is seriously considering purchasing airlines in continental Europe, according to a series of media reports. Valery Okulov, the airline’s general director, confirmed this fact earlier today, in a newspaper interview. It appears as though Aeroflot has specifically set its sights on JAT Airways, Serbia’s national carrier, which is currently up for sale, within the context of the government’s bid to privatize the airline. Okulov noted that Aeroflot is also interested in potentially purchasing Czech Airlines (CSA), which is being privatized as well, although no concrete decision has been made in either case. One option may be to purchase shares in European airlines, instead of actually scooping up entire companies.

Aeroflot appears to have the best chance of buying JAT Airways. A Serbian minister already confirmed last year that Aeroflot’s purchase offer was the most compelling thus far, mainly because the Russian national airline agreed not to dismiss any JAT employees and because it will also assume responsibility for the carrier’s outstanding debt. Additionally, Aeroflot has pledged to purchase more planes for JAT, if it does, indeed, buy the carrier. Yet Aeroflot may still have some competition from Icelandair, which has reportedly expressed interest in the Serbian company. A delegation from Iceland is said to have already visited Belgrade, Serbia’s national capital, in the hope of convincing the Serb government to consider a potential offer.

www.aeroflot.co.uk