Dissident
Astraeus and Sterling are owned by the same company - NTH; travel/leisure division of FONS (Icelandic Investment Group).
I would imagine that FONS is looking for a co-investor to spread the risk, as them 'getting out' isn't an option if the rumour that large amounts of Sterling debt is secured/guarenteed by FONS is to be believed. If true, Sterling falling would mean a severe impact on their investors, aside from the Icelandic financial crisis.
Still, what do I know?
I doubt it will vanish quite as quickly as some here are making out, although it is fair to say that a Ryanair aircraft parked alonside a Sterling aircraft would probably be the final nail.