``Last week, Delta and Air France jointly mandated us to find an Indian partner for their proposed bid for Air India. Lazard will also help them do a valuation of Air India and decide the structure of the bid,'' Lazard India's chief Udayan Bose said. The number three US airline and Europe's second-biggest airline join a growing list of suitors for India's flag carrier, which the government has put on the block for partial privatisation.

Air India's sale is expected to begin next week with a formal invitation from the government to potential bidders.

The government has decided to offer 40 percent of Air India's stake to strategic partners, with foreign airlines holding a maximum of 26 percent and the rest going to an Indian player.

Bose said that Delta and Air France had not decided how much equity each partner would hold in Air India, though they were certain to pick an Indian partner for their bid.
http://biz.yahoo.com/rf/000908/l08116122.html

I am scared now!

Air France and Delta Airlines will make a joint bid for a 26 per cent stake in state-run Air India, the head of investment bank Lazard India said.
http://news.airwise.com/stories/2000/09/968667077.html

I give them credit--they are the first alliance to look seriously at the subcontinent. I suspect we may seem them make a pitch to bring in China Southern, next.

And Eastern Europe: Czech Airlines.
Northern Africa will probably be next: RAM Moroccan Airways.
China Southern or China Eastern for China.

Prestigious stuff.

You're too right, James.

But, it has to live up to its name the "Sk**Team" as you so fondly call it.

Sk***am you mean

Well, they will face some competition for this carrier from the likes of Lufthansa, Emirates and even DIck's Virgin!
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum...ML/000938.html

SQ is probably the most formidable competitor out there for AI.

And the February 9 deadline is fast approaching too!
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum...ML/000050.html