Finance Minister Miroslav Kalousek and Czech Aeroholding CEO Miroslav Dvořák will pick a strategic partner for Czech Airlines (ČSA) by April or May. Qatar Airlines and Korean Air are vying for a minority share in the Czech national air carrier. The government has given Kalousek carte blanche to decide, with price being the key criterion. The government also agreed on a set of rather loose conditions for the new partner and charged Kalousek with a single task: to inform the government before June 30 about the sale of the minority share.
The government expects that the new partner will be a respected and experienced air carrier and a member of the IATA. It must also be able to finance its entry into ČSA and support the long-term development of the company as well as Prague airport. The management of Czech Aeroholding will make a recommendation to Kalousek in March or April, and if the government approves it, the ČSA privatization will be completed.
