Northwest Airlines has rejected suggestions that it is close to taking a stake in Taiwan's China Airlines (CAL) although it confirms that it has held talks with the carrier on a potential partnership.
"Northwest Airlines has no intention to make an equity investment in China Airlines, but has had talks regarding potential areas of commercial co-operation," the carrier says in a statement.
"On an ongoing basis, Northwest is engaged in discussions with prospective commercial partners.
Policy
"It is our policy to refrain from disclosing the status of such discussions until an agreement is reached."
Reports from Taiwan have repeatedly identified Northwest Airlines and United Parcel Service as potential buyers of a stake in CAL, and recent reports indicate that deals are near with both US carriers.
CAL's parent, the China Aviation Development Foundation (CADF), is attempting to find a buyer to take half of its 71% stake in the carrier and last month gave financial adviser Salomon Smith Barney an end-February deadline to finalise a deal with one or more foreign airlines.
Source: Flight Daily News
