CSA bidders narrowed to AF KLM, Unimex/Travel Service

Czech government selected Air France KLM and the Unimex/Travel Service consortium to proceed to the second round of bidding for a 91.5% stake in CSA Czech Airlines (ATWOnline, March 24). Aeroflot and Odien, a private investor firm, were rejected. AF KLM issued a statement confirming its selection but provided no further details. Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek and Finance Minister Miroslav Kalousek told reporters that AF KLM and Unimex/TS will be asked to submit their bids by the end of June and that the government would not disclose why they were chosen ahead of SU and Odien.