British Airways parent International Airlines Group (IAG) may consider taking a stake in its one-world alliance partner American Airlines, a move that could block any takeover of American by IAG rival Delta.
“We would consider taking a stake in American Airlines if that is something that American would welcome,” an IAG spokeswoman said.
A source close to IAG said the possibility of buying a stake in American was not linked to any bid by Delta.
American is seen as a target for Delta. If such a takeover were successful it would break up the one-world alliance and strengthen transatlantic competition against IAG. An aviation banker who declined to be named said IAG would do all it could “to prevent the likes of Delta or US Airways from grabbing it”. – (Reuters)
