In the world outside Aircraft Interiors Expo 2018, there has been one hell of a breaking news announcement – with IAG Group (owners of British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, LEVEL and Aer Lingus taking a 4.6% share of Norwegian Air Shuttle.
Norwegian Boeing 737-800 at Dublin Airport – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
According to various tweets flying around this morning, the 4.61% purchase is a prelude to talks which could result in IAG taking over Norwegian.
A release on Investgate states:
International Airlines Group (IAG) notes the recent press speculation that it is considering making an offer for Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA (Norwegian).
IAG considers Norwegian to be an attractive investment and has acquired a 4.61 per cent ownership position in the airline (minority investment).
The minority investment is intended to establish a position from which to initiate discussions with Norwegian, including the possibility of a full offer for Norwegian.
IAG confirms that no such discussions have taken place to date, that it has taken no decision to make an offer at this time and that there is no certainty that any such decision will be made.
This is one hell of play International Airlines Group – who have Vueling and LEVEL on their low cost side (with LEVEL not especially strong and still without its own Operating Certificate – it uses Iberia’s and OpenSkies).
And Norwegian has a strong presence at London Gatwick – with lots of landing slots. A tastey morsel indeed if IAG Group was to follow through.
So what next? Discussion will take place, but will other airlines stand by as IAG muscles in?
Let the games commence.
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