Condor’s CEO, Peter Gerber, told Stern magazine that while searching for a new investor, Condor is open to competition from Gulf region companies. Gerber noted that it was probable the airline would eventually align itself with a larger conglomerate. With Lufthansa-its market-leading counterpart, which is ten times larger-dropping out as a potential buyer due to antitrust regulations, other providers have come into focus. These include airlines in the Gulf region such as Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways.
These regional providers are strong contenders because their experience during the Iran conflict with the United States may have made them less reliant on their home markets, potentially leaving them open to partnerships from outside their region. Furthermore, Turkish Airlines has also been identified as a player highly interested in growth opportunities within Europe.
The airline’s ownership structure is currently complex; during the COVID crisis, the German government subsidized Condor with a multi-million euro credit. As a result, the state now holds a forty-nine percent stake and will eventually need to sell these shares again. The remaining forty-nine percent of Condor belongs to the British financial investor Attestor, who acquired his stake in 2021.
