The German airline Lufthansa has formalized its interest in all or parts of Air Berlin, but without specifying details. "We are interested in a full or partial acquisition of Air Berlin," said Lufthansa, which according to rumors since last weekend has been negotiating for Germany's second largest airline. Also at the negotiating table are the Government of Berlin and other partners, as well as the Tui tourist group, which leased planes to Niki, which belongs to Air Berlin. On the eve of the Air Berlin creditors' committee meeting after the company filed for insolvency proceedings more than two weeks ago. Following the meeting the bankruptcy trustee Frank Kekebus indicated that “we will carry on the negotiations as a matter of urgency. Our goal is and remains a quick solution capable of guaranteeing employment”.
In an interview with 'Wirtschaftswoche' Kekebus ruled out 'an important deal' for Air Berlin before September. We are currently speaking with various partners on routes and take-off and landing rights and on divisions of the company such as Niki and Air Berlin Technik, Kekebus said, defining the negotiations as 'constructive' even though everyone knows that 'there is' much to do ' and quickly because 'Air Berlin burns cash'. Furthermore knowing that an airline is in bankruptcy doesn't help bookings. 'For short-term bookings we are about 6-7% below those of last year', indicated Kekebus, who specified that above all the long-haul is penalized. In this context, 'there is a danger of a loss of business if the sales process lasts too long'. Finally, Kekebus ruled out that preference is given to Lufthansa in the sales process. 'Any serious candidate, who shows a substantial interest in Air Berlin, can have access to the data and submit an offer,' he concluded.
