Japan Airlines is looking to purchase a stake in struggling carrier Malaysia Airlines.
The Malaysian government is reportedly looking for options in a bid to off-load Malaysia Airlines, which is a downward financial spiral having failed to post a profit since February 2016.
Last month, rumours circulated that Qatar Airways were interested in purchasing the struggling carrier, this followed the news that CEO Akbar Al Baker met with the Malaysian Prime Minister and several other Malaysian officials to “discuss key industry issues”, according to a press release issued by Qatar Airways.
Now a report by The Edge, later reported by Bloomberg, seems to peg Japan Airlines as the main buyer.
The report continues stating that there have been high-level talks for Japan Airlines to pursue an interest in the Malaysian national carrier amid close ties between the two governments, citing two unidentified people familiar with the matter.
However, in June, Japan Airlines president Yuji Akasaka refuted reports that the airline would consider an investment in Malaysia Airlines although further talks were possible, according to the Edge.