Delta Air Lines is looking to take control of Virgin Atlantic after making an approach to the airline’s big Asian shareholder, Singapore Airlines, to buy its 49% holding in Virgin, according to a report in the Sunday Times.
If successful, Delta’s European partner, Air France-KLM may buy part of Sir Richard Branson’s 51% share, which would see him give up control of the airline. Air France-KLM would be involved in order to comply with aviation rules that state that European airlines must be controlled by European nationals.
Delta and Air France-KLM came close to a deal with Virgin in February 2011 but talks broke down.
