newstodate.aero
Oct 30, 2014 (newstodate): While Estonian Air seems to be approaching calm waters with the bid from Infortar to acquire all shares in the airline, the world is still awaiting news on the privatization of Latvia's airBaltic.
In contrast to Estonian Air, airBaltic has been cleared of allegations of illegal state aid after the probe by the EU Commission, and one crucial precondition to a privatization of the carrier should thus be in place.
Still, nothing is heard on the issue for years.
In August 2012, the Latvian state launched a tender for attracting non-binding expressions of interest by November 1, 2012, for a stake of up to 50 percent minus one share.
Since then, the carrier has remained tight-lipped about what came out of the tender and which parties, if any, it may be negotiating with.
The Latvian state owns 99 percent of the airline after the take-over in November 2011 of the 47 percent stake earlier held by Baltic Aviation Systems owned by Bertolt Flick.
The carrier needs fresh capital to secure its continued development including the acquisition of 13 Bombardier CS300 aircraft and realization of its purchase rights for a further seven CS300 aircraft as well as more Bombardier Q400 aircraft.
In contrast to Estonian Air, airBaltic has been cleared of allegations of illegal state aid after the probe by the EU Commission, and one crucial precondition to a privatization of the carrier should thus be in place.
Still, nothing is heard on the issue for years.
In August 2012, the Latvian state launched a tender for attracting non-binding expressions of interest by November 1, 2012, for a stake of up to 50 percent minus one share.
Since then, the carrier has remained tight-lipped about what came out of the tender and which parties, if any, it may be negotiating with.
The Latvian state owns 99 percent of the airline after the take-over in November 2011 of the 47 percent stake earlier held by Baltic Aviation Systems owned by Bertolt Flick.
The carrier needs fresh capital to secure its continued development including the acquisition of 13 Bombardier CS300 aircraft and realization of its purchase rights for a further seven CS300 aircraft as well as more Bombardier Q400 aircraft.