Maharaja in race to buy Serbian airline

Mumbai: After surviving all bids at privatisation, Air India and Indian Airlines, the two merging state-run carriers are bidding to buy controlling stakes in Jat Airways, Serbia’s national airline.
It’s the first time in its history that Air India is looking at buying another airline, let alone an international flagship. The only other contender to acquire Jat – formerly called Yugoslav Airlines – is Russia’s national carrier Aeroflot, which has already made a competitive bid for the offer.
V Thulasidas, who was on Tuesday appointed chairman and managing director of the merged airline, confirmed the move. “We have asked our consultants to look into the Jat Airways project,” he said.
Jat is expected to choose its partner for privatisation by June-end.
Sources from AI said that the Maharaja is looking at a controlling stake in the Serbian airline. Jat Airways CEO was in India early this year to discuss the proposal with AI.
31/05/07 V Manju/Times of India

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