Air Berlin goes Austrian

AIR BERLIN plans to raise its stake in former race car driver Niki Lauda's airline Niki to 49.9% from 24% in a move to expand in Eastern Europe.  This could lead to a 100% takeover.  Essentially a low cost carrier, and based in Vienna, Niki was founded by Lauda in 2003.  Air Berlin has been a 24% shareholder since 2004.  Last September Air Berlin announced a co-operation deal with Turkish airline Pegasus, itself a shareholder in the German airline.  Air Berlin currently has a fleet of 145 aircraft.  Lauda was the second Austrian World Motor Racing Champion, after Jochen Rindt. www.airberlin.com

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