Turkish Airlines lining up stake in JAT
European airline shares fell on Friday, led by SAS Group which declined 4.7%. One of the few exceptions was Turkish Airlines, which is now lining up the acquisition of Serbia's JAT Airlines. Turkish Airlines shares were up 2%.
Serbian Minister Sulejman Ugljanin stated the Turkish carrier would study the assets of JAT Airlines ahead of a possible sale of the company. Turkish Airlines may end up as the he majority of JAT under any agreement, with the carrier being given a free hand to bid for as large a stake as it desires. Serbia twice failed to sell JAT, in 2007 and 2008, and merger talks with Turkish Airlines remain inconclusive. Serbia is aiming to sell JAT by Jul-2011. Deloitte LLP will advise on the process.
Association of European Airlines reported the following total scheduled traffic highlights for its member airlines in Jan-2011:
- Passenger numbers: 24.7 million, +6.7% year-on-year;
- Passenger traffic (RPKs): +6.3%;
- Passenger load factor: 72.3%, -0.9 ppt.
Selected EAD daily share price movements (% change): 11-Mar-2011
