Greek independent Aegean Aviation has completed its takeover of Air Greece, announced in October, doubling its size and making it the second largest airline in the country after state-owned Olympic Airways (Flight International, 20-26 October, 1999).
Aegean now holds 96% of Air Greece - formerly owned by shipping company Minoan Lines - and has dropped the latter's unprofitable routes to Germany in favour of targeting the domestic market.
Aegean chief executive Antonis Simigdalas says talks are under way with major carriers on joining a global alliance. "With the flag carrier in retreat, we find ourselves well placed as a potential partner in the eastern Mediterranean market," he says.
Simigdalas says Aegean will decide soon on fleet plans. It operates four Avro RJ100s and two Learjets. Air Greece has three ATR 72s and two Fokker 100s.
Source: Flight International
