Air Berlin buys LTU

[seahawk]

http://uk.reuters.com/article/basicIndustries/idUKL2710760020070327

apart form that the new Air Berlin :

- ends their code share agreement with TUI Fly
- signs a new code share agreement with Condor

[DAL767-400ER]

Not a surprising move, given DBA's ties with LTU, and of course AB's lack of their own longhaul flights. LH should be worried.

[TAP-A343]

LH should be worried.

Well, LH sold its 50% stake in Thomas Cook, which owns 90% of Condor. That stake in Thomas Cook meant an indirect 45% stake in Condor having LH a 10% direct stake. After this deal, LH only raised its 10% direct stake to 24.9%. KarstadtQuelle, the full owner of Thomas Cook, has the option to buy LH's 24.9% in Condor after the next 2 years.

So LH is divesting in the aviation leisure market and concentrating in its core business, apparently not worried about competition with leisure carriers like LTU.

Moreover, LTU will codeshare with Condor.

Regards.

[RingwaySam]

Will Air Berlin take LTU's A320s and leave the long-haul aircraft?

[seahawk]

Yes, all A320 class aircraft will be integrated into the Air Berlin fleet with Air Berlin taking over all inter european routes.

LTU will remain for long range operations. (with the new livery with is very much resembling the AB anyway)