AEROFLOT Russian Airlines has opened tentative talks with Georgian flag carrier Air Zena, with a view to purchasing outright or at least majority control of the airline. The private Georgian airline was formed as a charter airline in 1994 and has established a strong network of services into Europe from its base at Tbilisi. With the airline acquiring flag carrier status in 1999 following the demise of Georgian Airlines it has played an important role in developing the country's economy and its links with the West. Aeroflot believes an equity investment in the carrier will help support its activities in the Commonwealth of Independent states (CIS) and will bring additional links to the SkyTeam alliance, which the Russian airline will join within the next two years. Alongside developing its presence outside of Russia, Aeroflot is also looking to enhance its domestic activities and is courting various Russian airlines for potential purchase. The national carrier is understood to be interested in Samara Airlines and Kuban Airlines, with the aim of establishing new regional bases at Samara and Kransnador, and has not ruled out an investment in Arkhangelsk Airlines.
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