SwissAir, MAS may tie up

SwissAir, MAS may tie up

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): SwissAir AG has emerged as a possible strategic partner for loss-making Malaysian Airline System Bhd. (MAS) after talks with Qantas Airways apparently collapsed, according to a report Friday.

The online version of The Edge business weekly quoted sources close to the companies as saying that SwissAir was negotiating for a stake in the Malaysian carrier and discussions were expected to be concluded soon.

The report said MAS believed SwissAir's offer was more "acceptable."

SwissAir has promised to make Kuala Lumpur International Airport its regional hub, it added. If the SwissAir deal goes through, MAS will join the Qualiflyer Alliance.

MAS officials declined to comment on the report.