Minister says govt should keep Austrian Air stake

VIENNA (Reuters) - Austria's government and a group of banks should keep a 25 percent stake in Austrian Airlines , the loss-making carrier which wants the country to sell its stake, the transport minister said at the weekend. Minister Werner Faymann, leader of the centre-left Social Democrats, said in a statement the airline was so important for Vienna Airport and for Austria's ability to attract businesses that it was vital to retain influence. Faymann demanded that the government, currently owns 43 percent of Austrian Airlines, and a group of Austrian banks which holds 7 percent, keep 25 percent between them to retain a vetoing minority stake. This would limit the stake that is up for sale to 25 percent. 'Austrian Airlines should remain a strong Austrian airline,' Faymann said. 'This requires a... [read full story]