The Belgian Government has made clear that it intends to retain a majority holding in Sabena, even if an alliance is put in place with Swissair. The public Government statement follows reports in Switzerland that up to 75% of the carrier could be on offer. An agreement is still needed with Air France over its 25% holding in the Belgian carrier. Another 12.5% is held by two Belgian banks, which joined with Air France in the Finacta consortium, but they are understood not to be keen to sell. A deal could be in place by the end of January, according to Sabena sources.
Source: Flight International