AIR BERLIN has acquired 100% of dba, the former British Airways
offshoot. Whilst still to be approved by the German cartel office the
route networks of the two carriers complement each other very well.
Air Berlin says that it can integrate dba's domestic routes into its
European network without any problems. The dba slots at Munich and
D”sseldorf are also very useful. dba is to continue to operate as an
independent company under the umbrella of Air Berlin. Martin Gauss
and Peter Wojahn will remain as managing directors. However, in
future the company will be marketed as Air Berlin ("powered by dba").
The flight schedules for the coming winter months will be harmonised
where possible. A joint summer schedule will be in operation from 1
April 2007. In the last financial year 2005/2006 dba, with its 29
aircraft, carried 4.3m passengers whilst Air Berlin counted 13.5m and
operated 58 aircraft. In a separate announcement Air Berlin confirmed
that its UK and Ireland country manager is to be Titus Johnson (left),
joining from Sabre where he was airline sales and account director
EMEA. Previously Titus was UK regional manager for VLM Airlines.
http://www.airberlin.com