Willie Walsh, International Airlines Group’s chief executive, has indicated in an interview with CNN that the airline group would consider investing in Japan Airlines when it returns to the stock market.
He said: “we might look at some equity participation if Japan Airlines floats again on the stock market, which is their intention at some stage over the next couple of years.”
However a merger between the two airlines is not a possibility owing to restrictions on ownership, and Walsh said such a move does not fit with present ambitions.
JAL intended to relist in January 2013 but events in Japan may now mean that date is extended.