Troubled Bulgarian carrier Balkan Airlines may sell its London Heathrow slots to British Airways in order to stay afloat until a rescue plan comes into operation in April. Balkan went into receivership in March, and majority shareholder Gad Zeevi, who owns 75% of the airline, is suing the Bulgarian government in an international court in Paris for $260 million in damages. The Bulgarian government, meanwhile, is trying to pass legislation to override Zeevi, and keep the airline going until April. The $1-2 million Balkan will receive for its slots should be enough to keep it alive till then, say Israeli sources. Balkan will also receive some of BA's London Gatwick slots.

 

 

Source: Flight International

Topics