Qantas Airways Ltd
(ASX:QAN) looks to be a merger target, with British Airways CEO Willie Walsh telling the Australian Financial Review he is keen to resume talks with the airline.
Mr Walsh says Qantas is a strong global airline with a great brand and that there is a strong case for tying-up the companies, adding that he hasn’t seen any interest from Qantas CEO Alan Joyce as yet.
The AFR reports the two airlines already have a relationship through revenue-sharing for flights between Australia and the UK, and discussions on a merger were held in 2008 before being abandoned.
The competition in the travel industry is increasing and airlines are looking into mergers to benefit from more routes and lower costs.
According to the Australian, Qantas head of corporate affairs David Epstein said while the airline enjoys a good relationship with British Airway’s, it has not had any merger discussions with them.
Qantas reported a net profit of $117 million for the year to 30 June 2009.
