The Indian govt’s attempt to sell debt-laden Air India is in danger of hitting the skids as a key deadline looms with no bidder in sight. Prime minister Narendra Modi’s administration announced in March that it would privatise the beleaguered airline. But the plan has struggled to get off the ground with several prospective buyers ruling themselves out. “Conditions put forth by the govt with regards to debt and employee costs are restrictive and have put off investors,” aviation expert Amrit Pandurangi said. “The govt needs to address the concerns of the private investors if the stake sale is to move forward,” the independent analyst added. Analysts say the company’s large debts and generous pension schemes are putting off buyers. Air India is about US$8b in the red. <br/>
star
Pilots of Brussels Airlines plan to go on strike from May 11 in a dispute over pay and conditions. The unions of pilots formally notified the airline of its intention Friday, although there will be talks between Brussels Airlines and union representatives Monday, the airline and a union representative said. "We have been in talks for a few weeks. For Monday and also after Monday there are meetings planned," a Brussels Airlines spokeswoman said. "We hope that we can find a solution to prevent a possible strike." Pilots want a pay hike, a better work-life balance, improved career prospects and the possibility of earlier retirement and voted 80% in favour of a strike. The ACLVB union said many of the concerns are related to Brussels Airlines future as part of Eurowings. <br/>
Asiana Airlines slipped to a net loss of KRW5.4b (US$5m) in Q1, although it also recorded its highest operating profit for 3 years. The carrier’s Q1 net loss was reversed from a KRW96.1b profit in year-ago quarter. However, Asiana’s operating profit of KRW64.3b more than doubled from KRW26.3b a year earlier. Revenue for Q1 rose by 9% to a record KRW1.6t. Contributing to the higher operating profit were an increase in international passenger numbers and strong air freight demand. The carrier highlighted healthy demand for domestic, Japanese and Southeast Asian destinations. Revenue was also up 28% on European routes, and 9% on US routes. Subsidiary LCC Air Seoul helped by swinging to profit in Q1 after adding routes from Seoul to Hong Kong, Osaka and Guam. <br/>