Yes, but as this was (supposedly) a scheduled bidding process, it might mean that they missed their chance. However, Lufthansa might be having cold feet (or at least be looking to sweeten the pot), which might cause the privatization deadline to be extended and let AF/KL back in. I wouldn't guarantee, though, that the same problems that scared off AF/KL in the first place won't rear up again - namely, that AUA is a loss-making airline loaded with debt.

Nope. 50% is owned by the Scandinavian governments and the rest is publicly traded.

I can't imagine a scenario under which AZ comes out as less scary than AUA. At the very least Austrians as a people aren't prone to random strikes.
Thanx for correcting my incorrect perception.

Air France Wants Back Into Austrian Air Sale
 

"Air France-KLM has signaled it wants to get back into the bidding race for Austrian Airlines, but has not made an offer, a source in the state holding company said on Friday."

source article here

What SkyTeam should do is make Hawaiian Airlines a full partner and TRY to get Emirates, and GOL. :)

Also 'we' should be able to plan and purchase our trips on Skyteam.com ^:cool:

And what about each of the SkyTeam partners paint one of their aircrafts saying "SkyTeam" something like what S* does. ;)

To see a NW DC-9 ..soon to be DL DC-9... maybe a 'SkyTeam DC-9' :D

-BondAir007

Yeah ST needs to have some premium airlines, not just whomever they can get...

EK or any of the newer middle east airlines, Alaska, Hawaiian, Gol or some of the better Indian airlines, plus a good SE Asian airline (Malaysian) is a MUST for ST to stay competitive....totally losing compared to *A esp with CO leaving...