Eurowings Europe continues to grow despite Airberlin/NIKI sale

Eurowings Europe will continue to grow even if Airberlin and NIKI become part of the Lufthansa Group, an airline executive said. Eurowings Europe MD Dieter Watzak-Helmer said the carrier plans to grow its fleet from eight to 13 aircraft in 2018. Airberlin filed for insolvency in August and is in the process of seeking buyers for its assets after Etihad Airways, which owns a 29.2% stake in the carrier, withdrew further financial support. Several companies have since expressed interest in Airberlin and Niki assets, including Lufthansa Group. “This growth will happen independently whether or not Airberlin or NIKI become part of the Lufthansa Group. However, we are not planning additional bases in Europe at the moment, because we need clarity on how the scenario with Airberlin will play out.” <br/>