Loss-making flag carrier Austrian Airlines is up for sale.
Austrian finance minister Wilhelm Molterer said the government planned to sell part of its 43% stake in the beleagured airline to another carrier.
Government holding company OeIAG has set aside two months to listen to offers and will decide by the end of the year who will be the successful purchaser.
However, there are tight restrictions on the purchase. Some 25% of Austrian must stay in the hands of Austrian core shareholders, the brand must stay in tact, the HQ must still be in Austria and the main hub must remain at Vienna.
Likely contenders include Lufthansa, Air France-KLM, Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot.
By Dinah Hatch
