Emirates Says Not Interested in Buying Austrian Airlines

Emirates has announced that it has no intention of buying Austrian Airlines and will continue to stick by its policy of not joining any alliance or have any shareholdings, XFN Asia has reported, citing Martin Gross, Emirates’s area manager for Austria and eastern Europe.

“Our strategy to date has been to not join an alliance and to not have any shareholdings in other carriers. These guidelines have not changed. We will not buy Austrian Airlines,” the news agency quoted Mr Gross as saying.

It is reported that Emirates is likely to co-operate with the carrier, particularly in connection with the greater use and applicability of the two airlines’ hubs in Vienna and Dubai.

However, Air France-KLM is reportedly interested in buying the European airline. While it is claimed that talks have not yet been initiated between the two groups, Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, deputy CEO of Air France-KLM believes that Austrian Airlines should take the next steps regarding a possible strategic partnership with the French-Dutch group.

Meanwhile, Austrian Airlines is carrying out a review of its long-term options, including the prospects for a strategic partnership.