Yesterday, Aegean Airlines shared that it is considering to be part of a privatization program for Croatia Airlines. The carrier is clear that no firm commitment has been made but it is thinking about its options in regards to a move.

The current situation

According to an official announcement, the flag carrier of Greece confirms that it has participated in the non-binding indicative offer stage of Croatia's Airlines' privatization.

Any firm decisions about its participation in the future ownership of the Croatian flag carrier will be taken at some point at the beginning of next year. This will be following the provision of access to information and discussions, as per the process set by the Croatian government.

U.S. News reports that Croatia is planning to sell a 70 percent stake in its national airline. The firm saw a net loss of $7.25 million in the first nine months of 2019, which be could further spurring the motive of a sale.

Similar plans

Flight Global reports that both of these airlines operate a fleet of Airbus A320-family jets. Aegean took delivery of its first A320neo on December 19th.

This jet is the first of a further 46 A320neos expected to be received before 2025. Additionally, the carrier agreed to an initial order of 30 units of the type and supplemented it with 16 more from leasing companies. It hopes to start flying these A320neos by February next year.

Meanwhile, Croatia Airlines currently holds four A319-100s two A320-200s. It also is expecting the first of its A320neos to arrive in Zagreb in 2022, while another two are due a year later. Aside from the aforementioned Airbus aircraft, the operator holds six De Havilland Canada DHC-8-400.

A natural fit

Aegean has already planned which routes the A320neo will take on in 2020. Brussels, Madrid, Frankfurt, Munich, Marseille, and Nice are just some of the destinations on the cards for the plane. With Croatia Airlines due to add these jets to its fleet in the first half of the decade, it could be a useful move for the Greek carrier. Additionally, Croatia is in close proximity to the Aegean's current operations, enabling a smooth transition.

Aegean has big plans heading into the new decade. It has confirmed that it will launch six international and two domestic services out of its hub of Thessaloniki. Additionally, it will be opening a new base on the island of Corfu in May.

Simple Flying reached out to both Aegean Airlines and Croatia Airlines for comment on the privatization process. However, we did not hear back before publication. We will update the article with any further announcements.

Do you think that this would be a good move for both parties? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.