Lufthansa gets further backing for Air Berlin move

Lufthansa has received more German government support in its bid to take over substantial assets of insolvent rival Air Berlin, with German Economy Minister Brigitte Zypries saying she would welcome such a move.

“Lufthansa is already an aviation champion — its position can be strengthened further though,” she was quoted saying by German daily Handelsblatt yesterday. “There are many interested parties. But for competition reasons, no single airline can buy Air Berlin.”

Lufthansa, Germany’s top carrier, cannot buy all of Air Berlin because it would give it a dominant position in Germany. However, Lufthansa was first in line for the talks, ahead of other potential bidders. Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has already complained that the process is going too quickly to give others a chance to bid.