Aer Lingus chief executive Christoph Mueller believes it is key that any new ownership structure at the airline enables it to continue its multi-partnership approach.
The Irish government has indicated it is ready to sell its 25% stake in the national airline as part of efforts to raise money, but that any move would not happen before 2012. Debate also surrounds the long-term future of Ryanair's 29% stake in the carrier, which it acquired in support of failed takeover attempts.
After carrying out a review of alliance options, Aer Lingus in August opted to remain independent, believing the benefits of its multi-partnership approach with carriers across the different alliances outweighed the benefits of joining a single grouping. It currently has partnerships with carriers in all three alliance camps.
Speaking during the World Air Forum in Amsterdam, Mueller highlighted the importance of maintaining this approach if there is any change of ownership at the airline. "What is important for management is that the new shareholder position is not opposite to our strategy," he said.
"We have a multi [alliance] partners. So a scenario where we are owned by a single alliance airline might [create] a problem on the bottom line," he said.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
