Abramovich to buy an Italian airlines
 

Sorry to post in English, but the news is very interesting, since it seems Russian likes Italy. Also Aeroflot is ready to buy Alitalia.

This is the news from the web.

Press Release




OligarchWatch: Russian Billionaire Roman Abramovich to Buy Italian Airline
Thursday October 25, 12:01 am ET
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, the owner of Chelsea football club and the governor of Chukotka province, plans to buy a controlling stake in a private all-cargo Italian airline Ocean Airlines for approximately 300 million euro, according to a source close to the negotiation.
After RIA Novosti, a state-owned Russian news agency, reported the story, Mr. Abramovich’s spokesperson denied the existence of negotiations between the Russian businessman and Ocean Airlines. However, aviation industry experts explain that it is only logical for Mr. Abramovich and his company to try to avoid publicity before the deal is closed. They add that the timing for purchasing the all-cargo airline is right – the international cargo business between Europe and Asia is growing at a robust pace.
Ocean Airlines, established in 2003, is an all-cargo airline whose headquarters are in the Brescia Montichiari Airport (Italy). The airline’s fleet is composed of Boeing 747 all-cargo aircrafts. It mostly provides cargo services to destinations in Asia and Europe. Ocean Airlines is said to be planning an IPO in the UK, Mr. Abramovich’s current home country.
Millhouse Capital, an investment firm controlled by Roman Abramovich, holds stakes in many businesses in Russia and around the world, but does not yet have any interest in the transportation industry. However, Mr. Abramovich is not a novice in the industry: he owns a private Boeing 767 jet called “The Bandit” and, according to The Times, is buying the new A380, the largest passenger aircraft in the world. When used by commercial airlines, the A380 is capable of accomodating up to 800 economy-class passengers.

Contact:
OligarchWatchIrina Pavlova, 646-257-2003[email protected]www.oligarchwatch.com

This one should bring Rox65 out of the woodwork :\

News da Air Cargo News!!
 

fresca fresca dalla rete :

30-Oct-2007 : RUSSIAN oil billionaire and owner of Chelsea Football Club, Roman Abramovich, is in talks to take a controlling interest in Italian freighter operator, Ocean Airlines.

The airline has been suffering financial problems recently, following its decision to abandon an IPO flotation in August.

Air Cargo News has learned that the delicate negotiations are at an advanced state, and are likely to have been conducted through Abramovich’s investment firm, Millhouse Capital.

Reports in the Russian press, state that Abramovich will invest some €300 million to take control. A new injection of cash is needed to keep the airline afloat.

Rossano De Luca, Ocean Airlines’ chief executive officer admits that the airline has faced difficult times, and says the future now looks bright.

A spokesperson for Abramovich has denied the existence of negotiations between the Russian businessman and Ocean. However, a source, with inside knowledge of the deal, confirmed to Air Cargo News that talks were taking place.

Read the full story in November 2 issue of Air Cargo News :D

ragazzi, per chi avesse tempo oggi, con la bella giornata, da ovest vedrete arrivare un muso nuovo all'orizzonte......

@RuslandAN12

why do you appologize to post in English??

Do you think pilots in Italy don't understand and don't speak English :=

Rox non hai risposto alla domanda che ti avevamo fatto:quando si rivedranno quelli vecchi di musi?Sono ancora fermi?

Saluti:ok:

Freight Carrier Postpones Dulles Service
Facing mounting debts, lawsuits and a possible ownership change, Ocean Airlines postponed the launch of freighter service to Washington that was supposed to be a centerpiece of the cargo carrier's international expansion.
The Italian freighter operator was to have launched service between Brescia and Washington Dulles International Airport on Oct 28, but said in a statement that it was delaying the trans-Atlantic service until early 2008. The airline cited "impediments beyond its control," including what it called an "unprecedented bureaucratic slow-down" by the Italian Bureau of Civil Aviation and a delay in gaining a required Air Operator Certificate.
But the airline, one of several carriers that have started up in the past couple of years in the international air freight arena, also is facing potential management upheaval and allegations that it is losing money and has missed payments to key vendors.
Phoenix Fuel Atlas Aviation has sued Ocean for non-payment of $6 million in jet fuel. Webster, Texas-based Colt International has an outstanding fuel claim for approximately $72,000.
The Aviation Law Center in Williamsburg, Va., which is spearheading the legal efforts against Ocean Airlines. "We're attempting to seize an aircraft at Dulles Airport to prompt payment," said Terence G. Haglund of the Aviation Law Center.
At the same time, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich is reportedly in talks to take a majority stake in Ocean Airlines. A spokeswoman for the carrier was not immediately available for comment. Representatives at other Ocean Airlines offices referred to the official statement by the airline on its postponement of the Dulles service.
Separately, AAR Parts Trading, a division of Illinois-based AAR, is suing Ocean Airlines over non- payment of two leased engines for a 747 freighter. SRX Transcontinental is suing Ocean Airlines for non- payment of ground handling and fueling services.
Ocean Airlines operates two 747-200 freighters, but recently concluded a deal to acquire six more.
Robert Moorman
http://www.aircargoworld.com/break_news/11022007b.htm