Czech Airlines owner Smartwings wants aid, but no state stake

Czech Airlines owner Smartwings said on Monday it is seeking state loans or guarantees, but has no interest in opening the way for the Czech government to take up to 100% control. Industry Minister Karel Havlicek had floated the possibility of the Czech state owning up to 100% of Smartwings to help it through the coronavirus crisis, which has taken a heavy toll on the global airline industry as planes have been grounded. Havlicek said Saturday that state ownership was one of the options, adding a decision should come by the end of June. Czech Airlines resumed some flights on Monday after a month-and-a-half disruption due to the coronavirus pandemic. Smartwings is controlled by Czech businessman Jiri Simane and partners, who own 50.1% of the group, with the remainder held by Chinese state-owned CITIC Group. Although Smartwings had welcomed talks on possible state support, it said on Monday that it had never had any interest in the government taking a stake in the company.<br/>