Aer Lingus to consider selling minority stake to larger airline

Aer Lingus CEO, Christoph Mueller, stated the carrier can survive as a standalone airline but may consider selling a stake to a larger airline, identifying Lufthansa's acquisition of a minority stake in Brussels Airlines as a good model for such a move (Reuters, 16-Sep-2010). Mr Mueller also commented that he does not expect another bid from Ryanair, due to opposition of such a takeover from the European Commission and that Aer Lingus' shares "have become too expensive for them". He admitted the carrier has been considering closer links with a global alliance, as he believes "consolidation around the three alliances will continue". However, the CEO did not rule out purchases of its own.