According to Dutch media reports, AirBridgeCargo might still be interested in taking over beleaguered freight carrier Martinair.
The story broke this week in the publication Nieuwsblad Transport saying that the Russian cargo carrier was still interested in taking over Martinair and its all-freighter fleet, continuing to use it an independent carrier at its Amsterdam hub. ABC was rumored to be a possible suitor for Martinair last year, when Air France-KLM had considered selling off the airline.
A spokesman for ABC would only say, “Our interest in Martinair is still there. If the possibility arose, we would be interested to pick up the contract with KLM. However, at present, we are not in talks.”
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines became the sole shareholder of Martinair in 2008. At the end of 2011, Martinair ended passenger operations and completely focused on the airfreight business. Air France-KLM Cargo and Martinair cooperate together, calling the commercial business Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo.