Czech Airlines to announce alliance affiliation within three months

Published: 11/18/1999

Within the next three months, Czech Airlines (CSA) expects to decide which of five global air alliances it will join. Miroslav Kula, President of CSA, said that: “We are holding talks with nearly all the alliances, and with three of them more intensively". Although the company was not forthcoming regarding the identity of the three, although the Qualiflyer Group has been reported as a contender by other sources. CSA already cooperates on code-sharing agreements with Continental Airlines. Kula added that CSA was keen to accelerate the selection process, so that full cooperation between CSA and the chosen alliance could begin with the summer timetable for 2001. The privatisation of CSA will follow the decision on the strategic alliance. Kula would not rule out the possibility that a strategic partner might invest in the company “immediately or later". By law, at least 51% of the company must remain in Czech ownership.

Article ID: 1093