Korean Air appears to be the front-runner candidate to take over a 44% share in Czech Airlines, a move that would satisfy its interest in expanding into what it sees as the growing markets of Eastern Europe. It would also suit Czech Airlines, as the company has been struggling thanks to competition from budget airlines, a slowing European economy and high fuel prices. The Czech government has indicated its willingness to sell the national carrier, which has also seen interest from Qatar Airways. There’s been no word on how advanced or likely the deal is to go through, but the South Korean flagship carrier has said it is in due diligence.
