In Reply to: New Airline posted by Elton on Monday, 14. January 2008 at 12:02 Bali Time:
Indonesia's Lion Air to Buy 49% of a Brisbane-based Airline
Move Reflects Market Acquisition Strategy of Buying Shares in Foreign Carriers.
(1/12/2008) A number of press reports are suggesting that Indonesian Lion Air (PT Lion Mentari Airlines) is eyeing a 49% share in an Australian domestic air carrier as a possible precursor to establishing a feeder network for the establishment of international flights between Indonesia and Australia.
Australian press reports say that discussions are at an advanced stage between Lion Air and Brisbane-based Sky Air World.
News.Com.Au quotes the CEO of Sky Air World, David Charlton, as confirming a 51%/49% ownership split with the Indonesian Airline, saying, "as a result of the deal Lion Air Australia will have the same air traffic rights to operate here as any Australian-owned airline."
On the assumption that the deal will be formalized shortly, Lion Air Australia is expected to begin operating six extended range Boeing 737s before the end of 2008.