Flying To A New Wave Of Consolidation ?

[uy707]

http://www.aerospacemedia.com/afp/preview.asp?xml=060921125515.vxcqqpuq.xml

European travel giant TUI set to increase ties with Air Berlin

FRANKFURT, Sept 21, 2006 (AFP) -
Europe's biggest tour operator TUI said on Thursday it was negotiating with German low-cost airline Air Berlin with a view to working more closely together, although it denied rumours of a merger.

Looks the flight plan is heading this way. Not very long ago, Air Berlin purshased DBA/Deutsche Ba and sounds the actual coast of purshase is higher than anticipated ?!?

Alain

[DAL767-400ER]

Well, what goes around comes around, as it looks like what I have been thinking about since last year, might actually happen, namely a merger or at least close association of AB, HLF, DBA and LTU which could lead to a merger. Of course, whether or not they merge is irrelevant, as LH sure is looking at the face of a true competitor finally that can kick their a$$.

[uy707]

LTU, maybe, provided TUI makes a successful bid on LT parent company. Anyway we fly toward a close association between AB/DBA and HLF. LTU would be a nice addition thanks to the long hauls.
Alain